Exposure to Indoor Particulate Matter Worsens the Symptoms and Acute Exacerbations in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients of Southwestern Taiwan: A Pilot Study

Ambient particulate matter (PM) can trigger adverse reactions in the respiratory system, but less is known about the effect of indoor PM. In this longitudinal study, we investigated the relationships between indoor PM and clinical parameters in patients with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Indoor air quality (PM(2.5) and PM(10) levels) was monitored in the patients’ bedroom, kitchen, living room, and front door at baseline and every two months for one year. At each home visit, the patients were asked to complete spirometry and questionnaire testing. Exacerbations were assessed by chart review and questionnaires during home visits. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis (n = 83) showed that the level of wheezing was significantly higher in patients whose living room and kitchen had abnormal (higher than ambient air quality standards in Taiwan) PM(2.5) and PM(10) levels. Patients who lived in houses with abnormal outdoor PM(2.5) levels had higher COPD Assessment Test scores (physical domain), and those who lived in houses with abnormal PM(10) levels in the living room and kitchen had higher London Chest Activity of Daily Living scores. Increased PM levels were associated with worse respiratory symptoms and increased risk of exacerbation in patients with moderate to very severe COPD.