Increase in asthma prevalence in adults in temporary housing after the Great East Japan earthquake

• Published in: International journal of disaster risk reduction Vol. 50; p. 101696
• Main Authors: Oshikata, Chiyako, Watanabe, Maiko, Ishida, Masatsugu, Kobayashi, Seiichi, Kubosaki, Atsutaka, Yamazaki, Akiko, Konuma, Rumi, Hashimoto, Kazuhiro, Kobayashi, Naoki, Kaneko, Takeshi, Kamata, Yoichi, Yanai, Masaru, Tsurikisawa, Naomi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2020
• Subjects: Adult asthma; Aspergillus; Dermatophagoides farinae; Great East Japan Earthquake; Temporary housing; Adult asthma; Aspergillus; Great East Japan Earthquake; Temporary housing; Dermatophagoides farinae
• ISSN: 2212-4209; 2212-4209
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101696

It is unknown whether disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis affect asthma development or exacerbation in adults. Here, we investigated whether asthma prevalence increased in those aged ≥15 years living in temporary housing after the Great East Japan Earthquake. We diagnosed asthma according to GINA guidelines in residents aged ≥15 years who were living, or had lived, in temporary housing in the city of Ishinomaki. We analyzed serum antigen-specific anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels to Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f), Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus glaucus, Aspergillus amstelodami, and Aspergillus restrictus. The average age of the 337 inhabitants was 61.3 ± 15.8 years (men, 37.7%). The asthma prevalence was 24.9% according to respiratory specialist diagnosis. The antigen-specific IgE antibody titer against Der f, but none of the other test antigens, was significantly higher in the asthma group than in the no-asthma group (P < 0.01). Time of asthma onset was before the earthquake in 44.6%; in shelters, 9.5%, and after moving into temporary housing, 45.9%. In 71.4% of asthmatics there was exacerbation of asthma after temporary housing occupancy. Logistic regression revealed that the risk factors for developing asthma after moving into temporary housing were allergic rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis (P < 0.05), family asthma history (P < 0.05), never having smoked (P < 0.01), and peripheral airways disorder (low % V50) (P < 0.05) but not depression. The earthquake and tsunami disasters increased mite allergen sensitization and exacerbation or development of asthma in temporary housing residents aged ≥15 years. [Display omitted] •Severe tsunami damage in Ishinomaki forced many residents into temporary housing.•Among present/past residents aged ≥15 years, clinical asthma prevalence was 24.9%.•The commonest sensitizing antigen was Dermatophagoides farina.•Asthmatics ≥50 years were often weakly positive for mite-specific IgE antibody.