Abstract
Aim: To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors that influence wheezing and asthma in children and adolescents. Methods: A total of 135 male children and adolescents were selected from various schools. Information about family history, dietary pattern, respiratory symptoms and environmental risk factors were obtained using questionnaire survey. Results: The prevalence of wheezing in the past 12 months was 31.85%. The prevalence of asthma was 2.2%. Conclusion: Consumption of fast food, overweight and obesity and exposure to traffic fumes were observed to be important risk factors with increased risk among the children. The impact of environmental factors such as air pollution must be quantitatively established with exposure assessments supplemented with questionnaire surveys to reduce the burden of disease. This study provides a cross-sectional outlook on modifiable risk factors that can be targeted to reduce the impact of asthma and wheezing in children. Keywords: Asthma; ISAAC; Prevalence; Wheezing; Children; Chennai
Highlights
Asthma, wheezing and acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) are the most common chronic diseases affecting children
The participants selected for the study were all males, as they were a part of a larger study that assesses the role of air pollution on asthma
Our findings show inverse association to consumption of seafood, eggs and meat, though some studies have shown that consuming fish can be protective against wheezing and other respiratory problems[17,18]
Summary
Asthma, wheezing and acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) are the most common chronic diseases affecting children. Childhood asthma affects approximately one in eight children, worldwide [1]. They are considered a leading cause for school absenteeism and hospitalization of children [2]. Wheezing during early childhood increases risk of asthma, wheezing and other respiratory disorders that can develop during later years of life[3]. Particulate matter of size fractions
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