Short-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Antimicrobial Use for Acute Respiratory Symptoms

A study conducted in Catalonia, Spain, aimed to assess the short-term association between ambient air pollution levels and antimicrobial consumption among the general population seeking primary care consultations for acute respiratory symptoms. The study used data on daily ambient air pollution and antimicrobial consumption from June 2012 to December 2019, among all inhabitants aged 12 years or older. The main outcome was antimicrobial consumption associated with primary care consultations for acute respiratory symptoms in the 30 days before and after the dispensing of the antimicrobial. The results showed a significant correlation between increases in PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 concentrations and heightened antimicrobial consumption at day 0. This finding could help inform policy decisions aimed at reducing air pollution and its associated risks.