moving

Question

We are moving from Callifornia to Florida. Will the new humidity lead to the boys becoming ill on our arrival?

Answer

Dear Questioner
Thank you for your question. It is known that environmental factors, such as the degree of air pollution, can have an impact on pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis.[1] However, it is not very clear if any individual CF patient is more likely than another to have an exacerbation in one particular geographical location over another. Despite this, some people with cystic fibrosis experience exacerbations at predictable times in the year. For some, seasonal allergies can bring about a flare. For others, it's humidity. For still others, an exacerbation may be caused by an upper respiratory infection or pneumonia. Unfortunately, as there are so many variables that contribute to the chances of precipitating an exacerbation, there is no hard evidence to support these speculations. Despite these shortcomings, expert opinion suggests that warmer climates may in fact be beneficial in terms of mitigating the chances of an exacerbation.[2]

Best wishes
David Comer
Belfast


Reference List
1.Goss CH, Newsom SA, Schildcrout JS, Sheppard L, Kaufman JD: Effect of ambient air pollution on pulmonary exacerbations and lung function in cystic fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2004, 169:816-821.

30.07.2012