What is it about?
We studied the relation between altitude and COPD prevalence, with a special focus on household air pollution. In rural high- and low altitude areas in Kyrgyzstan, we objectively measured both lung function and household air pollution concentrations. Even after correcting for other COPD risk factors (e.g. age, smoking), COPD was three times more common in the high altitude areas. Besides altitude, household air pollution showed to be a risk factor for developing COPD. The levels of pollution largely exceeded the limits as stated by the WHO air quality guidelines, which could be explained by our finding that the entire highland population relied on solid fuels for cooking and heating.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
COPD is the world's third leading cause of death, and scarcely available resources for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment should be prioritised effectively in order to combat the disease. This study helps to understand where the burden of COPD is highest and which risk factors predict a higher burden of disease. Furthermore, this is the first study to compare COPD and household air pollution across altitudes with objective measurements (spirometry and particulate matter concentrations) and among the first to present data on lung function for a Central-Asian population.
Perspectives
Although generalisability remains to be assessed, this study suggests populations in rural, low-resource, high altitude areas are particularly at risk of developing COPD, with household air pollution as an important risk factor. I hope this article contributes to increased awareness on the burden of COPD and its risk factors, and to motivating policy makers, health workers, and community members to employ (preventive) interventions addressing COPD. Furthermore, as both COPD and solid fuel use are known to be related to poverty, an intersectoral approach facilitating a socioeconomic upliftment seems warranted.
Evelyn Brakema
Leiden University Medical Center
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: High COPD prevalence at high altitude: does household air pollution play a role?, European Respiratory Journal, February 2019, European Respiratory Society (ERS),
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01193-2018.
You can read the full text:
Resources
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
