Abstract
A cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the co-relation of BMI with the prevalence and severity of asthma in 23 school children aged 9.13 2.20 and the BMI of 16.27 3.11. Automated spirometer was used to assess the lung function tests of the children. We used mainly PEF as a guideline to make the diagnosis of asthmatic or non-asthmatic based on the spirometric results. Reversibility of airway obstruction was done by repeating spirometry after two puffs of salbutamol inhaler. The results indicate that BMI, which is a measure of body fat, has a strong co-relation with the lung function tests. A significant decrease was observed in the values of Pre-PEFR and FEV1 with an increasing BMI indicating that body fat has a bearing on the severity of asthma (p=0.001). No significant relationship was identified between % FEV1 and BMI. Per-PEFR showed a trend towards becoming significant (p=0.187). This study supports the view that there is a definite trend co-relating severity of asthma symptoms and body weight.
Highlights
The incidence of asthma especially acute, moderate to severe has increased since the last decade in children [1]
The results indicate that a significant decrease was observed in the values of Pre-peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) and FEV1 with an increasing body mass index (BMI) indicating that body fat has a bearing on the severity of asthma
Percentage FEV1 and Per-PEFR are more accurate to obtain a comparison as they take into account the expected values of FEV1 and PEFR generated based on the age, race, gender and height of the child
Summary
The incidence of asthma especially acute, moderate to severe has increased since the last decade in children [1]. Obesity has been recognized as a significant factor contributing to the prevalence and severity of asthma in children [8,9]. Studies have been conducted amongst children to co-relate BMI and asthma. Kwon HL et al [10] conducted a cross-sectional study to corelate BMI and asthma. They were able to demonstrate an association between BMI percentile and asthma among children 2–11 years in Central Harlem. Vargas PA et al conducted a study which was more clinically based They concluded that having an increased BMI was associated with more asthma morbidity. It can be used to categorize the normal, overweight and obese as done by Kwon HL et al [10], Peter F Belamarich et al [13] and Wendy H Oddy et al
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