Google Trends as a health sentinel. ALERT study: Analyzing Symptoms Perceptions Related To Environmental pollution.

BACKGROUND

The relationship between environmental pollution and human health is well-documented, and exposure has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory and psychological diseases. In our clinical practice, a trend of self-medication and self-diagnosis has emerged, defined as independent web searches for self-reported symptoms aimed at obtaining a diagnosis and related treatment in the absence of medical advice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the relationship between air pollution and public health, focusing on the impact of particulate matter (PM 2.5, PM 10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and other pollutants on respiratory and mental health, and their relationship with web searches for health-related topics.

METHODS

The study compares search trends for specific terms (e.g., cough, dyspnea, asthma, etc.), obtained using Google Trends, a tool for assessing public interest in health-related issues, with air main pollutants concentrations collected over the same period in 2024 in Genoa, Liguria region.

RESULTS

Correlation between searches for cough and levels of PM 2.5, O3, benzene, and NO2 was established, while depression also showed a connection to PM 2.5 and benzene.

DISCUSSION: These findings underscore the potential of Google Trends as a valuable resource for epidemiological surveillance. The study highlights the necessity for healthcare systems to adapt to the implications of air quality on health outcomes. It emphasizes the need for innovative approaches, including real-time tracking of air pollution and its health impacts, to enhance patient care and inform clinical practice. The integration of technology and data analytics in healthcare is proposed as a forward-looking strategy to improve therapeutic adherence and patient management in the context of environmental health challenges.