Low Concentration PM10 Had No Effect on Nasal Symptoms and Flow in Allergic Rhinitis Patients

Abstract

Objectives. Since Korea is geographically close to China (the origin site for Asian sand dust [ASD]) the health influence of ASD event will be still greater in Korea. We aimed to evaluate the effect of PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 mu m, below 150 mu g/m(3)) on the clinical course of allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods. We enrolled 47 healthy volunteers (group A) and 108 AR patients sensitized to house dust mites (group B). For 120 consecutive days (from February 1st to May 30th, 2012), all subjects reported their daily nasal symptoms and performed 2 peak flowmeter readings to measure peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). We evaluated the correlation between the daily concentration of PM10, symptoms, and PNIF of patients. We also investigated changes in symptoms and PNIF 2 days before and after 'dusty' days (daily concentration of PM10, >100 mu g/m(3)) Results. There was no significant difference between group A and B in nasal symptoms and PNIF during the 120-day period. Changes in nasal symptoms and PNIF were not statistically significant before or after a PM10 concentration rise above 100 mu g/m(3). Conclusion. Low concentration PM10 does not have significant effect on nasal symptoms and PNIF inAR patients.