Children More Likely to Be Hospitalized for Asthma During Heatwaves: Study

California, 20 May (ONA) --- New research indicates that children are more likely to be hospitalized for severe asthma complications during heatwaves, a problem expected to worsen with climate change.

A study by the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed health data from children admitted between June and September, 2017-2020, correlating it with temperature data from their homes.

Researchers defined heatwaves by analyzing temperature extremes, including the top 99%, 97.5%, and 95% of temperatures.

They discovered that daytime heatwaves increased the odds of asthma hospitalizations by 19%, with longer heatwaves doubling this risk. No association was found with nighttime heatwaves.

Lead author Morgan Ye emphasized the significance of understanding climate-sensitive events like extreme heat on vulnerable populations to reduce climate change's health impacts.

Ye noted that children from families with lower adaptive capacity, often due to financial constraints, are particularly at risk.

The study underscores that even milder heat extremes in coastal California can significantly impact health, with global temperatures rising due to human-induced climate change, this trend predicts an increase in heat-related health issues.

Complementing this, a Copenhagen University report warned that climate change exacerbates conditions for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, with risks from hot, humid air, wildfire pollution, ozone, and storm-related humidity, highlighting the severe vulnerability of respiratory patients to climate impacts.

---Ends/Thuraiya/KH