The February 2023 Turkey Earthquake and Its Impact on Asthma Exacerbations and Healthcare Utilization

Background and Objectives: To assess the impact of the February 2023 earthquake in Turkey on asthma patients’ clinical outcomes and healthcare use. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included 280 asthma patients followed at an outpatient clinic between January 2022 and December 2023. Clinical assessments included physical examinations, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), chest X-rays, and, when indicated, skin prick tests (SPTs) for aeroallergen sensitivity. Results: Following the earthquake, outpatient visits for asthma significantly increased from 82 to 198 patients (p < 0.001), and hospitalizations due to asthma attacks rose markedly (p < 0.001). While respiratory function parameters did not differ significantly between periods, there was a significant increase in the number of patients requiring advanced treatment (p = 0.037). Concurrently, air quality deteriorated, with substantial increases in particulate matter (PM10) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels recorded post-earthquake. Conclusions: The earthquake was associated with a significant rise in asthma exacerbations and healthcare utilization, likely driven by environmental pollution, poor living conditions, and disruptions in healthcare services. Disaster preparedness is key to protecting respiratory health after major earthquakes.