Association between yellow dust, PM2.5, and hay fever: A large-scale crowdsourced observational study using the AllerSearch smartphone application

Abstract

Background: This large-scale crowdsourced observational study investigated the association between yellow dust, particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), and hay fever symptoms using the AllerSearch smartphone application.

Methods: Participants with hay fever were divided into four groups based on combinations of high and low pollen and PM2.5/yellow dust dispersion levels. Nine hay fever symptom scores and quality of life (QoL) scores were compared among the groups. Multivariate analysis evaluated independent associations between pollen and PM2.5/yellow dust dispersion levels and hay fever symptom and QoL scores. Risk factors for individuals experiencing worsening hay fever symptoms during PM2.5/yellow dust dispersion were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: This analysis included 6468 participants. All hay fever symptom scores except "ear and/or mouth itching," and all QoL scores were significantly higher in the "low pollen and moderate-to-high PM2.5/yellow dust" group versus the "low pollen and low PM2.5/yellow dust" group. PM2.5/yellow dust levels independently associated with worsening of hay fever symptom and QoL scores, except for "ear and/or mouth itching." Being a woman (P = 0.010), a history of atopic dermatitis (P = 0.013), bronchial asthma (P = 0.046), dry eye disease (P = 0.048), oral medication (P = 0.009) and air purifier use (P = 0.043) were significant risk factors for worsening hay fever symptoms during PM2.5/yellow dust dispersion.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PM2.5 and yellow dust exacerbated hay fever symptoms independent of pollen exposure, with distinct symptom profiles.

Keywords: Air pollutants; Airborne particulate matter; Allergic rhinitis; Particulate; Quality of life.