Air pollution, inhaled therapy and COPD exacerbations in Yunlin, Taiwan: a 2016-2024 single-centre retrospective cohort with environmental and carbon-footprint analyses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Air pollution exacerbates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), increasing hospitalisation and exacerbation rates. While inhaled therapy is a cornerstone of COPD management, pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) significantly contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study evaluates the interplay between air pollution exposure, inhaled therapy selection and COPD exacerbations to identify strategies that optimise clinical outcomes while reducing environmental impact.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted using COPD patient records (ICD-10: J44.0, J44.1, J44.8, J44.9) from the National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch (2016-2024). Patient visits, including outpatient, emergency and inpatient admissions, were an

SUBMITTER: Chen CY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12716513 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature