This study investigates the influence of particulate matter concentrations on the incidence of asthma, focusing on the delayed onset of symptoms and subsequent medical consultations. Analysis incorporates a four-day lag from the initiation of fine dust exposure and compares asthma patterns before and after the World Health Organization's (WHO) classification of fine dust as a Group 1 carcinogen in November 2013. Utilizing daily PM10 data and asthma-related medical visit counts in Seoul from 2008 to 2016, the study additionally incorporates Google search frequencies and newspaper article counts on fine dust to assess public awareness. Results reveal a surge in search frequencies and article publications after WHO announcement, indicating heightened public interest. To standardize the long-term asthma occurrence trend, the daily asthma patient numbers are ratio-adjusted based on annual averages. The analysis uncovers an increase in asthma medical visits 2 to 3 days after fine dust events. Additionally, greater public awareness of fine dust hazards correlates with a significant reduction in asthma occurrence after such events, even within 'normal' fine dust concentrations. Notably, behavioral changes, like limiting outdoor activities, contribute to this decrease. This study highlights the importance of analyzing accumulated medical data over an extended period to identify general public behavioral patterns, deviating from conventional survey methods in social sciences. Future research aims to extend data collection beyond 2016, exploring recent trends and considering the potential impact of decreased fine dust awareness amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a natural product of cherry tree (Prunus serrulata var. spontanea: PS) as a test substance for improving cytokine and ovalbumin-specific IgE using an ovalbumin-induced asthma disease model of 5-week-old male BALB/c mice. Lung tissue pathology was analyzed to confirm anti-inflammatory and asthmatic effects. As a result of examining the effect on changes in inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in an ovalbumin-induced asthma disease model by administering the PS sample, total cells, eosinophil, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocytes were significantly decreased. Concentrations of cytokine-based TNF-alpha and IL-4 and immunoglobulin E in serum were significantly increased in the asthma-inducing negative control group than in the normal group. However, high concentrations of PS decreased them. In histopathological examination of the lung tissue, it was confirmed that inflammatory cells infiltrated around the alveoli and bronchioles were increased in ovalbumin-induced asthma disease model. After administration of cherry tree extract, bronchiolar morphological changes such as mucosal thickening were slightly improved. From the above results, it was confirmed that extract of cherry tree significantly reduced inflammation expression and tissue damage in alveolar tissues. It was also confirmed that the cherry tree extract had an excellent efficacy in improving asthma inflammation.

Fermentation by Rhizopus spp. has been used as a traditional medicine for treating various inflammatory diseases. Allergic asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is caused by an exaggerated immune response. This study was conducted to ascertain the anti-inflammatory effects of Rhizopus spp. fermentation extract (RU) on a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. The animals were intraperitoneally injected OVA on day 1 and 7, followed by OVA intranasal inhalation on days 14 to 18. The animals were treated daily with RU (100 and 200 mg/kg) by oral gavage from day 18 to day 23. RU significantly decreased eosinophilia and the production of inflammatory cytokines and OVA specific immunoglobulin E in animals with asthma, along with reducing airway inflammation and mucus secretion in lung tissue. Histological changes in the lungs and levels of inflammatory mediators of allergic airway inflammation were evaluated. The regulatory effects of RU on type 2 helper T (Th2) cell activation were investigated. RU administration attenuated asthmatic changes such as inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production, decreased the levels of Th2-related cytokines, and reduced Th2 cell activation. Administration of RU effectively reduced allergic responses in asthmatic mice, which is associated with regulating Th2 cell activation and differentiation. These results indicate that RU can attenuate the respiratory symptoms of asthma.

본 연구는 국민건강영양조사(2017) 자료를 이용하여 의사로부터 천식 진단을 받은 대상자의 자가 건강인지도, 스트레스, 2주 연속 우울감 등의 심리적 요인과 생리적 건강지표인 혈액 검사 자료를 비교하고 관련 위험요인들을 분석하였다. 연구에 사용된 국민건강영양조사(2017) 전체 대상자 수는 8,127명이며, 그 중의 성인(19세 이상) 5,852명을 대상으로 자료를 분석하였다. 일반적 특성 중 나이에 따른 천식 발생의 위험도는 65세 이상에서 높이 나타났으며(OR=1.48), 학력(OR=1.89)과 소득(OR=2.07)이 낮을수록 천식질환 발생 위험도가 증가하는 것으로 관찰되었다. 또한, 결혼 상태에서는 유배우자 동거와 비교하면 미혼(OR=1.62)과 무 배우자(사별, 이혼; OR=2.30)에서 천식 발생확률이 증가하였으며, 천식 진단군은 활동 제한(OR=2.39)이 높은 것으로 확인되었다. 심리적 요인에 있어서는 건강이 나쁘다고 인식할수록 천식 발생 유병률이 증가하였으며(OR=3.45), 우울감을 느끼는 경우도 증가하였지만(OR=1.78), 스트레스는 천식 발생 관련 위험요인이 아닌 것으로 확인되었다. 객관적 검사자료인 생리적 지표에서는 고감도 C-반응성 단백질 수치가 증가할수록 천식 발생 위험도가 증가함이 확인되었다(OR=1.12). 따라서 자가 건강인지도 및 우울감 같은 심리적 요인과 생리적 건강지표 중 하나인 고감도 C-반응성 단백질은 성인천식 질환의 잠재적 위험요인으로 인지되며, 이를 바탕으로 성인천식 질환 관리에 있어서 일반적 특성뿐만 아니라 심리적 요인 및 생리적 건강지표를 고려한 성인건강 관련 프로그램이 필요할 것으로 생각된다.

Asthma is a chronic diseases that restricts the air passage ways and which is thought to be caused by several factors such as genetics, obesity, mVOC, air pollution, allergens, and fungi. Domestic information on fungi in the indoor air in the houses of asthma patients in the spring and fall is rarely available. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate fungal concentration and diversity. Air samples were collected from the houses of 6 asthma patient in April and October of 2017 located in Seoul and Gyeonggi Provinces using an impaction method. The average concentrations of suspended fungi in the indoor air at the houses of adult asthma patient in October exceeded the 500 CFU/m3 level recommended by the Enforcement Managements of the Indoor Air Quality Control Act. A total of 70 fungi were isolated and identified. Four genera and 11 species were from the April sampling and 10 genera and 27 species were from the October sampling. Among the identified fungi, five species, Arthrinium marii, Penicillium austrosinicum, Penicillium concavorugulosum, Penicillium exsudans and Penicillium johnkrugii were found to be unrecorded species in Korea. The known properties of all identified fungi and the morphological and molecular characteristics of the five unrecorded species were described.

As indoor activities continue to increase, the importance of indoor air is emphasized. Moreover, children's activities are emphasized as being vulnerable. In this study, vocal organic compounds (VOCs) and CO2 in the indoor air were analyzed among children aged 4 to 7 years attending day care centers in Seoul. In the case of VOCs, the average concentration measured during a period of 24 hours in an asthmatic home was 143.9 (μg/m3). The average concentration measured during a period of 24 hours in the asthma and rhinitis home was 146.7 (μg/m3). In CO2, the average concentration measured during a period of 24 hours in the asthmatic home was 665.9 (ppm). The average concentration measured during a period of 24 hours in the asthma and rhinitis home was 695.9 (ppm). In this study, asthma symptoms increased as the concentration of indoor pollutants increased. Exposure of VOCs (μg/ m3) and CO2 (ppm) among environmental factors shows that respiratory symptoms such as asthma can be induced.

봄철 천식환자 가정집 9곳에서 실내 공기를 포집하여 부유진균의 농도 및 다양성을 조사하였다. 조사된 천식환자 가정집의 평균 부유진균 농도는 거실 143 CFU/m³, 방 142 CFU/m³ 이었으며 외기보다 낮았다. 이는 다중이용시설 실내공기질 기준법의 권고기준 기준치 500 CFU/m³를 초과하지 않았음을 보여준다. 총 59균주를 분리하였으며 5속 33종으로 동정하였다. 이 중 병원균으로서 인체에 위해성을 가지고 있는 진균은 4속 12종이었다. 동정된 종 중 Cladosporium crousii, Penicillium maximae, Aspergillus protuberus는 국내에 보고되지 않은 미기록 진균 종으로 확인하였다. 이 중 A. protuberus는 국외에서 인체에 질병을 유발시키는 균으로 알려진 진균이다. 이상의 결과는 천식환자 가정에서 진균의 관리는 정량적 수준에서뿐만 아니라 유해종을 파악하여 관리하는 정성적인 수준에서도 이루어져야 함을 제시한다. 본 연구는 봄철 천식환자 가정집에 존재하는 실내 공기 중 부유진균의 농도 및 다양성에 대한 최초의 연구이다.

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate simulation-based asthma pediatric care among nursing students. Methods: One group post design was utilized. A total of 148 nursing students were recruited as participants. The data were collected from February 22to June10, 2016. Seven hours of simulation-based asthma pediatric care was conducted. Results: The total mean knowledge score for asthma pediatric care was 3.8, and simulation-based performance score was 8.0. In simulation-based performance, the highest mean score was 2.4 for “oxygenation” category and the lowest mean score was 1.5 for “nursing recording.” There was no statistically significant difference in the level of clinical performance using simulation for the upper, middle, and lower groups according to the theoretical knowledge level. Additionally, no statistically significant correlation was found between the theoretical knowledge score and simulation-based clinical performance score. Conclusion: The findings suggest that simulation-based care involving various scenarios and integrated evaluation tools for clinical nursing performance are required to improve asthma pediatric care among nursing students.

황사(Asian dust storm, ADS)란 중국이나 몽골 등 중앙아시아 지역의 사막 지대의 작은 모래나 황토 또는 먼지가 하늘에 떠다니다가 상층풍을 타고 멀리까지 날아가 떨어지는 현상을 말하며, 주로 봄철에 우리나라를 비롯한 동아시아 지역에 영향을 준다. 이와 같은 황사에 영향을 받는 지역에서는 거주민들의 건강에 부정적인 영향을 미치는것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구는 2005년도에서 2008년도까지 4년간 서울지역 거주민들 사이에서 황사현상이 천식질

In this study, we attempted to estimate the association between asthma oriented by indoor air sources and personal exposure by comparing the case (asthma-patient) and control (non-asthma-patient) groups. We selected 27 participants who showed positive response on lung function and methacholin provocation test. We performed environmental survey with 15 and 10 cases during May and June 2007, respectively. There was no significant difference between the case and control groups in the level of formaldehyde and TBC (Total Bacterial Count). In the dust allergen test, the case concentration was higher than the control's, without signifiant difference. In the personal exposure assessment of VOCs using OVM (Organic Vapor Monitor) badge, the case concentrations of Benzene, Toluene, and Ethylbenzene were higher than the control's, but there was no significant difference. The personal exposure of Xylene case study was significantly higher than the control's

This study was followed up asthma incidence rate in primary schools indoor air quality. To investigate the history and prevalence rate of allergic diseases(asthma, atopy dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis), the standardized and generally used International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood(ISAAC) questionnaire was used to conduct the symptom survey for all participating subjects. The concentrations of major indoor air pollutants(dust mite allergen, aldehydes , VOCs, TBC, phthalate) were observed from April to May 2007. Sampling was undertaken at 19 primary schools. The sampling sites of air pollutants are classroom’s indoor and hallway. Dust mite allergen part it was detected from the case classroom and infirmary. The exposure quality of aldehyde and the place pollution level was indoor>outdoor>hallway, which whole is disease incidence rate high group appears more highly the low group than. The partially result of formaldehy and VOCs, the concentration of high environmental disease incidence rate showed also high. However, house dust allergen, TBC and phthalate measurement school was not the effect where the comparison of difference.

This study was carried out to assess the improvement of treatment by the house-plant. For the purpose of this study, 17 asthma-patients residing in Seoul were selected as participants during January to March 2007. We measured VOCs and conducted clinical survey during April to September 2007. In this study, 6 species of houseplants known to be eco-friendly were investigated for the health effect along with 12 other plants. The research focused on peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR) and disease specific quality of life. When the results were compared to the non-intervention households, the intervention households had reduced levels of acetaldehyde, benzene, ethylbenzene, xylene and styrene. The reduction rate estimated from this comparative study was statistically significant(p<0.05). There was however no association between the intervention and the estimated PEFR between morning and evening data in asthma-patients.

The objective of the present study was to assess the health effect of houseplant. we selected 22 households of newly-built apartments and 17 asthma patients. Before intervention in the households, we conducted clinical survey investigations during April and October, 2006. In this study, 6 species of houseplants known to be eco-friendly and 14 other plants were recruited. While the clinical research items were lung function, erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), white blood cell count(WBC), total eosinophil count(TEC) and total-immunoglobulin E(T-IgE). There was no association between the intervention and the estimated inflammation reaction and allergic reaction. However, peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR) of evening data were positive effect in the intervention asthma-patients households compared with the nonintervention.

This study was undertaken to determine the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air between houses of atopy, asthma patients and new houses. Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in the indoor and outdoor air of normal houses were measured as 92.6 and 72.5 ㎍/㎥, respectively. TVOCs in the indoor and outdoor air of atopy patient's houses were 152 and 42.1 ㎍/㎥. TVOCs in the indoor and outdoor air of asthma patient's houses was 165 and 50.1 ㎍/㎥. TVOCs in the indoor and outdoor air of new houses was 158 and 78.3 ㎍/㎥. It was found that the concentrations of VOCs were higher in the indoor air of atopy, asthma patient's and new houses than the normal houses. This suggests that the concentration of VOCs can influence atopy and asthma.

The inhibitory effects of water extract of Cortex Mori(CM) was investigated for allergic asthma in a mouse model. Experimental allergic asthma was induced by repeated intraperitoneal sensitization and aerosol challenge of ovalbumin (OVA). CM extract (10mg/mouse/day) was administrated orally whereas control mice were given with identical volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 7 days during the course of challenge. When airway hyperreactivity(AHR) measured by β-methacoline-induced airflow obstruction was compared, AHR of CM-treated mice was significantly lower than those of control mice, indicating that CM extract can attenuate an asthmatic symptom. Airway recruitment of leukocytes and cytokine levels in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed in order to evaluate CM effect on pulmonary inflammation. Total number of leukocytes in BALF was lower in CM-treated mice than in control without significance. Interestingly, CM treatment elevated a distribution of eosinophils which are crucial in asthmatic response. However, comparison of absolute number showed that it resulted from a decrease of total leukocyte and macrophage numbers. Levels of type 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL4, IL5 and IL 13) measured by ELISA in BALF were not significantly reduced by CM and IFN-γ, a type 1 (Th1) cytokine, was also comparable between two groups, indicating that CM treatment has little or no effect on airway inflammation and secretion of relevant cytokines. For an insight into the mechanism of CM effect on AHR, immunemodulatory activity of CM was analyzed at a cellular level. Peribronchial lymph node(LN) cells and lung-infiltrating lymphocytes (LIL) collected from CM-treated and control mice were in vitro stimulated with OVA antigen. Although there was no significance, number of LN cell and LIL was higher in CM-treated mice than controls and their Ag-specific proliferative response (3H-TdR uptake assay) was similar. Production of Th2 cytokine, IL 5 and IL 13 was relatively enhanced, but without statistical significance, while IFN-γ production was minimally altered in CM-treated mice. Immunemodulation of CM in the field of humoral immunity, antibody levels in serum were measured and compared. No significant difference was observed in the levels of IgE. However, levels of type 1 and 2 antibody IgG2a and IgG1 were signifcantly enhanced by CM treatment. As CM-mediated alleviation of AHR was not clearly explained by above results, degranulation of eosinophils was finally examined by their release of peroxidase. Levels of peroxidase in BALF was significantly lower in CM treated mice, suggesting that CM inhibits in vivo degranulation of eosinophils, although its effect was not shown during their in vitro incubation. Taken together, data from current study indicate CM extract alleviates AHR through inhibition of eosinophil degranulation rather than any immunological regulation. Instead, immunemodulatory activity of CM is likely to be adversely effective in (Th2)

Asthma deaths in Seoul peaked on the third, fifth, and second days after the PM concentration exceeded the daily average concentration standard. We classified the synoptic meteorological conditions, based on the days involving such cases, into three categories. Type 1 included the meteorological condition likely to cause high air pollution concentrations in the leeward region, the dominant wind direction of which is the northwest. Type 2 included the meteorological condition likely to cause high air pollution concentrations due to the weak wind velocity under stable atmospheric conditions. Type 3 was when the passage low atmospheric pressure and the expansion of high atmospheric pressure occurred at the rear, indicating a meteorological condition likely to cause high air pollution, in certain regions. Type 1 occurred 11 times, with high concentrations of over 100㎍/m³ being observed in the southeastern part of Seoul. Type 2 occurred 24 times, often accompanied by a PM concentration of 100~400 ㎍/m³. Type 3 occurred 11 times, and was accompanied by several days of yellow dust that accounted for the highest concentrations.

The production of highly concentrated PM10 is in the spotlight as a social issue, and it increases the attack rate of Asthma. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of concentration and distribution for PM10 from 2000 to 2011, and investigate its correlation with the death from Asthma. Furthermore, this study was designed to analyze it by dividing into two cases like including Asian dust and excluding Asian dust because it presented the high concentration when Asian dust was occurred in the spring. This study has found that the annual average concentration distribution of PM10 in Seoul was higher in the central area than the peripheral area. The annual average concentration of PM10 and death from asthma displayed the tendency to gradually decrease. The correlation coefficient for all period was 0.92(p=0.000), and the correlation was 0.84(p=0.001) in case of remove Asian dust. The monthly average concentration of PM10 has increased in the winter and decreased in the summer. The death from Asthma and correlation coefficient for all period was 0.588(p=0.044) and 0.640(p=0.025) in case of removing Asian dust. Although the causes of Asthma had a great diversity, the similar tendency by a factor of PM10 meant that the correlation was high.

In this study, essential oils were extracted from the leaf of Chamaecyparis obtusa (CLEO), indigenous toKorea, CLEO constituents were analysed, and the effects of CLEO on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airwayinflammation (AI) were investigated in Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model. Terpenoid components amongidentified CLEO constituents made up more than 80%. The CLEO-treated group in comparison to the control groupshowed reduced AHR, the decrease of eosinophil number in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), reduced specific anti-OVA IgE level in the serum, and a significant reduction in Th2 cytokines levels in the BALF with concentration. We con-cluded that CLEO have an alleviating effect on asthma-like symptoms such as AHR and AI. Further studies about antiasth-matic effect are necessary on the focus of single component of CLEO.