Air pollution in asthma: effect of pollutants on airway inflammation

Objectives: The objective of this review is to examine the impact of air pullutants on airway inflammation, with an emphasis on the interaction of the effect of ozone, particulate matter, and endotoxin exposure and immunoglobulin E-mediated airway inflammation. Data Sources: This review examines the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and sources for different types of air pollution, as well as undertaken a review of epidemiologic and human challenge studies which address the impact of air contaminants in asthma and allergic inflammation. Results: Epidemiologic and human challenge studies both demonstrate that ozone and endotoxin exposure can exacerbate allergic inflammation in the airway. Conversely, allergic processes may enhance individual response to air pollutants as well. Conclusions: Ozone and particulate matter are both important agents in inducing asthma exacerbation. However, these pollutants have not been implicated in development of immunoglobulin E responses to neoantigens. Decreased exposure to these pollutants or a better understanding of the processes by which they impact the airway may be useful in decreasing asthma severity.