A statewide Texas survey from 2019-2022 indicates that indoor ventilation and smoking are significantly linked to increased adult asthma morbidity. Researchers analyzed data from 1,596 Texas adults with asthma, assessing how household conditions correlated with asthma attacks, recent symptoms, sleep difficulty, and activity limitations.
The study found that not using bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans was associated with higher odds of asthma attacks and other symptoms. Current smokers reported notably higher asthma morbidity across multiple outcomes. Additionally, adults who did not use an air purifier showed increased odds of sleep difficulty, recent symptoms, and activity limitations, suggesting air filtration may play a role in reducing asthma burden.
While the absence of visible mold, rodents, and indoor pets generally correlated with lower morbidity, carpeting and cockroach exposure showed mixed patterns. The research also highlighted disparities, with older adults, women, and non-Hispanic Black respondents reporting greater asthma morbidity. Authors cautioned that some findings might reflect reverse causation or residual confounding.