THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AIR POLLUTION EXPOSURE AND THE INCIDENCE OF CHILDHOOD ASTHMA EXACERBATIONS

Background: Childhood asthma remains the most prevalent chronic disease among pediatric populations worldwide, with exacerbations representing a significant source of morbidity, healthcare utilization, and diminished quality of life. Air pollution has emerged as a critical modifiable risk factor, yet the specific contributions of individual pollutants and exposure windows remain incompletely characterized.
Objective: This research examines the association between air pollution exposure and childhood asthma exacerbations.
Methods: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2026 examining associations between ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, SO2) and childhood asthma exacerbations.
Results: Analysis of 110 eligible studies encompassing over 3.5 million children demonstrated consistent associations between air pollutant exposure and increased asthma exacerbation risk. PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 5% increased risk of asthma exacerbation per 10 ?g/m³ increment (RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.07), while NO2 demonstrated similar effects (RR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.08). Short-term exposure effects were most pronounced within 24-72 hours, with children under five years showing greatest vulnerability. Traffic-related air pollution and black carbon demonstrated significant associations with hospital admissions.
Conclusion: Air pollution constitutes a major modifiable determinant of childhood asthma exacerbations. These findings support stricter air quality regulations, enhanced public health surveillance, and targeted interventions for vulnerable pediatric populations.
Keywords: childhood asthma, air pollution, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, asthma exacerbation, environmental epidemiology