Sapkota shows extreme heat affects asthma incidence
Climate change can have a variety of effects on health. In a recent study that analyzed 115,923 cases of asthma hospitalizations in Maryland between 2000-2012, Faculty Associate Amir Sapkota showed that extreme heat events during summer months were associated with a 23% rise in asthma related hospital admissions.
In a comment on the study, Dr. Sapkota states, "Previous scientific studies have shown that extreme weather events are becoming more common, more intense, and longer lasting in response to our changing climate. Our study shows that increases in the number of extreme heat and extreme precipitation events, particularly during summer months, lead to more asthma hospitalizations in Maryland."
Similar associations between extreme heat and asthma incidence have been found in India.