Are children’s asthmatic symptoms related to ambient temperature? A national panel study in Australia

Background: There is strong evidence that extreme temperatures increase the risk of mortality and morbidity. Children with asthma are known to be one of the most sensitive groups to weather change. However, very few studies are available which assess the relationship between ambient temperature and respiratory symptoms in children with asthma. Aims: We aimed to examine the short-term effects of ambient temperature on respiratory symptoms for school children with asthma across Australia. Methods: A panel of 270 children (7-12 years) with asthma was recruited from six Australian cities. They were asked to record their respiratory symptoms every day in the morning (for night-time symptoms) and evening (for daytime symptoms) for four weeks. Daily ambient temperature and air pollution data were obtained from fixed monitors nearby. A mixed logistic regression model was used to examine the effects of ambient temperature on respiratory symptoms, adjusted for children’s sex, age, standing height, weight, and air p...