Climate change, global warming and the upper respiratory airways : a review

Abstract

The progressive rise in air pollution has been linked to increased respiratory morbidity and mortality. Recent decades have seen increased demands for medical treatment accompanied by an increased risk of hospitalization and rise in premature deaths. Climate change contributes to air pollution by affecting the dispersal of primary pollutants, principally particulate matter PM2.5 and by increasing the formation of secondary pollutants, mainly surface ozone close to ground level. Climate change is inherently associated with an increase in the prevalence of rhinitis, and its associated deterioration in quality of life.