AIR POLLUTION ASTHMA IN OSAKA, JAPAN
Abstract
Two problems were studied: (1) was the syndrome of 'Tokyo-Yokohama Asthma' a separate and distinct syndrome or was it a group of three clinical entities (true asthma, acute bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); (2) could the syndrome of 'Tokyo-Yokohama Asthma' be found in Osaka as well as in the Tokyo-Yokohama area. 146 patients were studied and complete records were kept on 124. A standardized questionnaire, physical examination, laboratory tests, and spirometric studies, as well as the use of air conditioners and electrostatic precipitators for clean air rooms were used to evaluate these problems. SO2 and particulate levels were measured. Cases of each of the three clinical entities mentioned above were found. The patients responded to the clean air environment, but upon return to their homes some have again had respiratory difficulties. The syndrome of 'Tokyo-Yokohama Asthma,' therefore, is in reality three distinct clinical entities and not a single syndrome. The clinical entities described above do occur in the Osaka area and it is suspected that they would occur in any area where there is a high level of air pollution and during seasons when there is a large number of respiratory illnesses. It is believed that there is a connection between air pollution and the severity and complications of respiratory illnesses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0658687
Entities
People
- Ovid B. Bush Jr