How is asthma aggravated in children ages 0-17 in urban areas in Florida with heavy deforestation?
Table of Contents
Abstract
Severe cases of asthma have been increasing in Florida over the past few years. The increasing prevalence of asthma has become a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The literature reviews examines the challenges faced by children with asthma, the environmental factors in particular with heavy deforestation, and ways to control and manage these factors.
Keywords: Asthma, Mortality, Morbidity, Florida, Deforestation, Children, allergens, Carbon
dioxide.
Introduction
Asthma is often thought of as common wheezing, but its adverse effects can be much more serious than imagined. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the
airways, making it difficult to breathe (World Health Organization, 2026). A retrospective
study conducted in Florida between 2011 and 2016 recorded 11,226 children aged 2-18 years
who experienced acute asthma exacerbations and were transported by emergency medical
services (Fishe et al., 2022). The study utilized the Emergency medical service encounters
from more than 100 EMS agencies across Florida. In 2024, Florida recorded 34645 asthma
emergency department visits among children age 0-17 years corresponding to a rate of 780.9 visits per 100,000 children (Florida Department of Health FDOH, 2024). These cases of
asthma. These cases highlighted the significant impact on children with environmental factors playing an important role in triggering and worsening asthma symptoms and exacerbations.
Environmental Factors Stimulating Asthma
Environmental exposure plays a critical role in the sensitization to environmental allergens and pediatric asthma-related morbidity (Saif et al., 2021) increased levels of bio aerosols may increase the susceptibility of children, making them more prone to asthma and other related allergic diseases. (Saif et al., 2021). These increased levels of bio aerosols are mainly associated with environmental factors such as elevated temperatures, wastes and industrial operations.
A major environmental factor is deforestation. Deforestation is the second largest anthropogenic source of CO2 after fossil burning (D’Amato et al., 2017). Deforestation releases stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and reduces future absorption, driving climate change, which in turn worsens environmental conditions and increases the risk of allergens (Forest Stewardship Council, 2024). These changes alter the interaction between climate change and air pollution, increasing exposure to respiratory irritants and allergens (D’Amato et al., 2017).
Global atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide,
methane, and nitrous oxide, have risen significantly due to human activities and poor environmental management. (Arceneaux & Gregory, 2024) According to Arcenaux &
Gregory (2024), the Earth’s temperature rose by an average of 0.14/0.08.C per decade
between 1880 and 1990 but the rate has been twice more currently. These changes are
important risk factors for poor respiratory health, particularly among children who are
susceptible to asthma.
Control and Prevention of Environmental Risk Factors
Control of environmental factors contributing to childhood asthma requires reducing
exposure to air pollutants, allergens, and other climate-related triggers. This can be achieved through improved air-quality management, reduction of fossil fuel emissions, proper waste management, prevention of deforestation, and promotion of cleaner energy sources. Climate change mitigation and adaption strategies are also important in reducing environmental conditions that may increase the risk and severity of asthma in children (Biagioni et al., 2023).
Conclusion
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is often perceived as a condition that occurs
suddenly, with many people unaware of the factors responsible for its development. It is therefore commonly attributed to genetic predisposition or considered to occur without an
identifiable cause. This paper has explored the factors that contribute to the occurrence and
worsening of asthma in children, particularly the role of deforestation, as well as ways of
controlling these factors. Understanding these factors can help improve awareness and reduce the burden of asthma among children.
References
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