Impact of Air Pollution on Hospitalizations in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in the Community of Madrid

<bold>Aim:</bold> This study aimed to assess the association between major urban pollutants and hospital admissions in patients with IPF. <bold>Methods:</bold> The likelihood of hospital admission due to respiratory causes was investigated in 69 patients diagnosed with IPF who were being followed at our interstitial lung disease unit from 2011 to 2020, correlating this data with the levels of major pollutants (CO, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, O3, SO2, and NOx) in the Community of Madrid during the mentioned period. The cumulative exposure of 1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months was taken into account. <bold>Results:</bold> An increase in the cumulative levels of NO2, PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NOx showed a significant correlation with an increase in the likelihood of hospitalization for respiratory problems in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Specifically for NO2, a significant relationship was observed with cumulative exposures of six, twelve, and thirty-six months prior to hospital admission. Regarding PM2.5 and PM10, the association was evident with cumulative exposures of 36 months. As for O3, positive results were registered with cumulative exposure during the month prior to admission. Similar to NO2, the association between the likelihood of hospitalization for respiratory problems and NOx was presented with cumulative exposures of six, twelve, and thirty-six months. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> The study highlights the significant relationship between cumulative exposure to pollutants such as NO2, PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NOx and the increased likelihood of hospital admission for respiratory problems in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis