PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Juan Wang
AU  - Karin Engvall
AU  - Greta Smedje
AU  - Dan Norbäck
TI  - Asthma and respiratory symptoms among elderly and younger adults in relation to home environment in multifamily buildings in Sweden
DP  - 2014 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - P4950
VI  - 44
IP  - Suppl 58
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P4950.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P4950.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2014 Sep 01; 44
AB  - Aim: To study associations between asthma and respiratory symptoms in Swedish adults and home environment.Methods: A questionnaire study among occupants in a stratified random sample of multi-family buildings in Sweden. Associations were analysed by logistic regression, controlling for gender, age and smoking, with mutual adjustment.Results: Among 5775 participants (response rate 46%): 56.5% were females, 12.0% were current smokers, 17.7% had wheeze, 11.7% day breathlessness, 6.0% night breathlessness, 11.5% doctor diagnosed asthma and 7.7% current asthma. Those living in colder climate zone had more wheeze (p=0.027) and night breathlessness (p=0.002). Subjects in buildings constructed during 1961-1975 had more day breathlessness (OR=1.53), compared with those in buildings constructed before 1961. Living in rented apartments was associated with wheeze (OR=1.20) and day breathlessness (OR=1.31). ETS was associated with current asthma (OR=1.53). Reported odour was associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR=1.49) and current asthma (OR=1.52). Building dampness was associated with wheeze (OR=1.42) and day breathlessness (OR=1.57). More window opening time was associated with more day breathlessness (p=0.036) and night breathlessness (p=0.011).The associations between building dampness and symptoms was stronger for younger adults (<=65 years) compared to elderly (>65 years).Conclusions: Certain construction years (1961-1985), building dampness, ETS, rented apartments and reported odour can be risk factors for asthma. Elderly may react differently to indoor factors as compared to younger adults.