Climate change, lung function and respiratory disease patterns in the adult population of Sylhet, Bangladesh

Bangladesh is among the top ten most climate-affected countries globally. The alarming progression of climate change is linked to the increasing levels of ambient air pollution, posing significant hazards to human health. 

Climate change can have a negative impact on lung function, exacerbating respiratory conditions, especially for adults and the elderly. The main diseases of concern are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections. However, the pattern of respiratory diseases in relation to climate change and air pollution has not been adequately studied in Bangladesh.  

Furthermore, there is a scarcity of lung function status data, hindering the assessment of changes in lung function related to climate and air quality parameters.

The study aims to develop a baseline database and evaluate the relationship of climate parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, rainfall) and ambient air pollution with lung function status and respiratory disease patterns among adults aged 40 years and above in Bangladesh.

This research will offer a comprehensive perspective on how environmental factors driven by climate change contribute to variations in lung function and respiratory disease patterns. Developing a baseline database and analysing historical disease patterns enable effective public health interventions and policies to mitigate environmental health impacts, ultimately improving population health and well-being in Bangladesh.

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