Guideline for the prevention and management of particulate matter/yellow dust-induced adverse health effects on the patients with bronchial asthma

Particulate matter (PM) and specifically, Asian dust (or yellow dust), have been identified as critical causes of health problems. Recent increases in the levels of ambient PM are closely associated with adverse health effects in susceptible populations, such as the elderly, children, and patients with asthma or allergic disorders, and this is cause for recent concern in Korea. The establishment of strategies for the reduction of ambient PM by the government and industry, the development of practical guidelines and recommendations to protect susceptible individuals, and an action program for implementation in the general population, will be essential to minimize adverse health impacts of PM and yellow dust. However, guidelines for the proper prevention and management of PM/yellow dust-induced effects on asthma are unclear. In the present study, we aimed to develop evidence-based practice guidelines and recommendations for pediatric or adult patients with asthma and for general physicians who care for asthmatic patients, in order to provide protection from adverse health effects of PM exposure.