Aeroallergens and respiratory disorders

Climate and weather play a major role in triggering allergic respiratory disease episodes through their influence on aeroallergens (such as pollen, mould and house dust mites) and air pollutants. Temperature, humidity, wind and thunderstorms also exacerbate respiratory symptoms, as well as seasonal cycles of infectious diseases. This research examines the influence of climate change on allergic respiratory disease (asthma and allergic rhinitis) by examining the role of seasonal and longer-term variations in weather and climate on the geographic distribution and seasonal patterns of environmental triggers of allergic respiratory disease.

People: Charmian Bennett, Dr Hilary Bambrick (UWS), Dr Paul Beggs (Macquarie)