The effect of low relative humidity at constant temperature on pollen asthma

On the Effect of Stays in Norway on Danish Astmatic Children

“…Most interesting in this connection is the communication by Rappaport and collaborators (18) about seven patients with pollen asthma who, in a room free from pollen, developed asthma on a day with a great fall of the barometer and resulting change of weather. Most interesting in this connection is the communication by Rappaport and collaborators (18) about seven patients with pollen asthma who, in a room free from pollen, developed asthma on a day with a great fall of the barometer and resulting change of weather.…”

“…humidity (fog, rain, snow) and sudden changes of temperature tend to a high degree to release the paroxysms. Most interesting in this connection is the communication by Rappaport and collaborators (18) about seven patients with pollen asthma who, in a room free from pollen, developed asthma on a day with a great fall of the barometer and resulting change of weather. When dampness is so often stated as an asthma-releasing factor, it is possible that it is not the damp weather in itself that is the cause, but the barometric conditions determining he damp weather.…”

“…When dampness is so often stated as an asthma-releasing factor, it is possible that it is not the damp weather in itself that is the cause, but the barometric conditions determining he damp weather. Rappaport et alii mentioned that the patients with pollen asthma mentioned above were absolutely able to stand rainy weather without any fluctuations of the barometer, and Jochims (18) also arrived at the view that variations of humidity and temperature exert no influence, and Hulting (9, 10) considers that neither the barometric height nor dampness and fluctuations of temperature play any part at all. It cannot be denied, however, that a cold and damp climate favours the development of acute infections of the respiratory tract (6) and in certain cases such infections may accelerate or produce paroxysms; Tuft, therefore, considers that in particular the asthmatics who have complications of an injections nature should be sent to another cHmate.…”

Air Filtration

“…It has been observed that the rapidity with which persons who have pollen asthma are relieved is greater under conditions of low humidity and relatively constant temperature in pollen free atmosphere than when the temperature and humidity are not controlled. 13 In such controlled atmospheres, attacks of asthma precipitated by storms were apparently delayed from six to eight hours and were less severe than those observed when humidity and temperature were not controlled.13 Residence in adequately filtered air is a procedure of great help in the diagnosis of allergic conditions. The effect of dusts, pollens and other inhalant factors usually may be ruled out in a few days by this method.…”