Effects of Environmental Fungal Exposure on Bronchial Asthma, ABPA and Bronchiectasis

Analysis of sputum samples from patients with bronchial asthma, ABPA, and bronchiectasis using 18sRNA sequencing fungal diversity and abundance in liquid samples.

Assess fungal diversity and abundance in the environment, including indoor (bedroom), outdoor (balcony), and air conditioning or fan surfaces (if applicable).

Pulmonary function FEV1 index was evaluated in liters (L). It refers to the volume of air exhaled in the first second by the subject exhaling at the fastest rate after the maximum inspiration.

PEF is measured in liters per minute (L/min). It refers to the maximum flow rate that can be achieved when exhaling at the fastest speed after the maximum inspiration. This indicator can reflect how open the airway is.

MMEF75/25 is measured in liters per minute (L/min). This is the average expiratory flow rate over the course of 75% to 25% of the forced expiratory volume. It is primarily used to assess the function of the small airways.

FVC is measured in liters (L). It is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled by exhaling forcefully as fast as possible after the maximum inhalation. This indicator reflects the ventilatory function of the lungs. FVC is generally around 3.5 - 5 L in normal adult males and slightly lower in females. FVC can be used to assess the elasticity of the lungs, the patency of the airways, etc.

The unit of FEV1/FVC is %. It is mainly used to determine if there is an airflow obstruction. Normally, FEV1/FVC should be greater than 70%.

The unit of Number of Acute Exacerbations is number of events. Total count of acute exacerbations experienced by participants.

The unit of Severity Grading of Acute Exacerbations is units on a severity scale. Severity of each acute exacerbation categorized by a standardized scale (e.g.mild/moderate/severe or graded numerically, such as Grade 1-3).

The number of emergency department visits due to acute exacerbations of Asthma, ABPA, and Bronchiectasis will be tracked using patients' self-reports and verified through medical records. This measure helps to evaluate the severity of the diseases.

The number of people hospitalized due to acute exacerbations of Asthma, ABPA, and Bronchiectasis will be recorded, including detailed information such as the length of hospital stay and the treatments administered.

Including the types of emergency drugs (such as salbutamol), as well as the dosage (number of presses), frequency of use, and duration of use

Documentation of respiratory failure events during hospital stays, including clinical criteria for diagnosis and management details.

Documentation of the use of non-invasive ventilation during hospitalization, including indications and duration of use.

Records of ICU admissions and whether intubation was required during hospitalization, including associated clinical details.

Documentation of systemic corticosteroid use during hospital stays, including dosage and duration.

Total duration of each hospital stay will be recorded to assess the impact of the intervention on hospitalization length.

In the asthma and ABPA research groups, the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) will be used to evaluate the control of asthma symptoms. ACQ is a validated questionnaire, with each question scoring 0-6 points. The average score will be calculated, with ≤ 0.75 indicating good control, 0.75-1.5 indicating partial control, and>1.5 indicating uncontrolled

The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire is used to evaluate the quality of life of asthma patients. The scoring range is 1 - 7 points. The higher the score, the better the quality of life.

FACED Score includes Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1)、Age、 Chronic colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA)、Extension (number of pulmonary lobes affected)、Dyspnea (mMRC score).It is used to assess the severity of bronchiectasis. The scoring range is from 0 to 10 points. Grade classification: 0 - 2 points: Mild. 3 - 5 points: Moderate. 6 - 10 points: Severe.

The Borg score is used to evaluate the degree of respiratory distress in patients with bronchiectasis, measuring their perceived physical activity or intensity using numbers. Subjective fatigue and respiratory distress are quantified on a 0-10 point scale, with higher scores indicating more severe respiratory distress

The BEST Score is used to assess the symptoms of dyspnea and cough. The scoring range is from 0 to 10 points. Grade classification: 0 - 2 points: Mild. 3 - 5 points: Moderate. 6 - 10 points: Severe.

A tool used in the bronchiectasis group to assist in assessing the severity and quality of life of patients with bronchiectasis. The rating range is 0-10 points. Grade classification: 0-2 points: Mild; 3-5 points: moderate; 6-10 points: severe.

In the bronchiectasis group, it is used to assist in evaluating the daily condition of bronchiectasis patients, such as symptoms, sputum volume, and nighttime awakening. The score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating poorer disease control.