Few data are available from Eastern Mediterranean countries about levels of domestic allergens and endotoxins. Dust samples were collected from mattresses and floors of 457 homes in the Syrian city of Aleppo and analysed for antigens and endotoxins. The most important predictors for detectable levels of house-dust mite allergen Der p 1 were Arabic-style houses (OR 3.21) and newer houses (OR 1.56). In homes without cats, rubber mattresses were associated with detectable cat allergen Fel d 1 in mattress dust (OR 1.6). Cockroach allergen Bla g 2 was significantly more likely to be detected in houses over 20 years old than newer houses. Endotoxin levels were significantly higher in wool/cotton mattresses and older houses.

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Background Bronchiectasis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Determining the frequency of actual occurrence is particularly misleading and difficult to determine, especially in patients with multiple respiratory disorders, because it can be a result of any primary pulmonary disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of readmission with acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis (AEB) on the admissions later on, need of long-term O2 and mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Patients and methods This is an observational cohort and prospective study. It was conducted on patients admitted with AEB who achieved modified O’Donnell criteria, and their high-resolution computed tomography showed bronchiectasis on admission at Aleppo University Hospital between September 2017 and January 2019. They were divided into three groups by age. Patients with bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis were excluded. Results The study included 90 patients (57 males and 33 females) with a mean age of 52.93 ±20.437 years. AEB showed a peak of incidence in the age group 41–65 years. Dyspnea is the most common symptom in exacerbations (88.23%) followed by hemoptysis (80.88%). Wheezing had the least frequency on admission (60.29%). Median survival age was 14±0.214 months. We collected information on 136 exacerbations in 90 patients. A total of 31 (34.44%) patients had at least one readmission and 19 (21%) patients died within 12 months of admission to the hospital. Age, smoking, and need of long-term O2 were statistically significant between the two groups of study (P=0.013, <0.0001, and 0.04, respectively). Sex, radiological changes, mortality, and mechanical ventilation have no significance. Conclusion AEB is a common reason for hospitalization, and it correlates with age, smoking, readmission, and need of long-term O2 treatment.