Association of Short-Term Pollen Exposure With Lung Function in COPD Patients.

Background: Environmental exposures such as air pollution are well established triggers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation and impaired lung function. However, the role of aeroallergens, particularly pollen, has not been thoroughly examined in COPD, despite evidence that pollen inhalation can cause airway inflammation. We investigated whether short-term exposure to higher concentrations of ambient pollen is associated with changes in lung function in people with COPD. Methods: Thirty COPD participants, contributing 1808 observations, were enrolled in the Study of Pollution and COPD Exacerbation and completed 4 clinic visits over one year while performing daily spirometry during four 30-day seasonal periods. Ambient total pollen was measured regionally. Associations of short-term pollen exposure (lag 1–7 days and cumulative 3- and 7-day concentrations) with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV Results: Pollen exposure at lag 3 day was associated with a lower FEV Conclusion: In this longitudinal study of people with COPD, higher short-term exposure to ambient pollen in the preceding 3 days was associated with a lower FEV