Increased risk of asthma attacks in children residing in urban areas

Higher exposure to air pollutants is associated with an increased risk of
asthma attacks.
A new study shows that higher levels of air pollutants, particularly ozone
and fine particulate matter, were associated with an increased risk of
asthma attacks in children residing in urban centers.
Viral respiratory infections are the most common cause of asthma attacks,
but nonviral factors such as air pollutants are also associated with the
flare-up of asthma symptoms.A recent study that higher air pollution levels, particularly ozone and
fine particulate matter concentrations, were associated with asthma attacks
and a decline in lung function in children living in urban centers.

Researchers also noted that these air pollutants could trigger asthma
attacks even when their concentrations were below national air quality
standards.

Study further added that higher ozone and fine particulate matter
concentrations were associated with the activation of specific inflammatory
pathways in the airways, helping to understand how higher pollutant levels
may lead to an increased risk of asthma attacks in children living in urban
areas.