Prevalence Of Asthma-related Symptoms Research Articles

Prevalence of Asthma-Related Symptoms in Adolescents Living near Industrial Animal Feeding Operations in Eastern North Carolina (U.S.A.)

Prevalence of Asthma-Related Symptoms in Adolescents Living near Industrial Animal Feeding Operations in Eastern North Carolina (U.S.A.)

Prevalence of Asthma in Urban School Children in Jaipur, India

Methods: A cross sectional study of school children 5-15 years in Jaipur city using Modified ISAAC questionnaire. After analyzing questionnaire, probable asthmatic children were subjected to detailed history and physical examination and appropriate investigations. Results: Total 3321 questionnaires were distributed of which 2263 (68.14%) were returned. Of these 2225 (98.32%) were fully filled. After analyzing 169 (7.59%) children were found to have asthma. Age distribution of asthmatic children was as follows 5-8 years 49/604 (8.11%), 9-11 years 57/745 (7.65%) and 12-15 years 63/876 (7.19 %%). Prevalence of asthma related symptoms were as follows: Wheezing ever 12.17%, wheezing in last 12 months 12.17%, Physician diagnosed asthma ever 5.3%, exercise wheeze 12.62%, night cough 9.57% and sleep disturbance in night was found in 4.94%. Conclusion: Prevalence of asthma in urban school children of Jaipur is high and increasing and many of the asthmatic children remain undiagnosed. Larger standardized research should be carried out all over India with validated questionnaire in locally understandable language to find out actual burden of asthma in children.

Housing characteristics, home environmental factors and respiratory health in 3945 pre-school children in China

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of housing characteristics and home environmental factors on respiratory symptoms of Chinese children. A cross-sectional study of 3945 children aged 1–6-years-old was conducted at 24 randomly selected kindergartens in Liaoning province, northeast China during April 2007. Information on respiratory symptoms (persistent cough, persistent phlegm, doctor-diagnosed asthma, current asthma, current wheeze and allergic rhinitis) and exposures to home environmental factors was obtained by a standard questionnaire from the American Thoracic Society. We used Chi-square tests, multivariate logistic regression models and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for estimates of the risk of respiratory symptoms. Results suggested that the prevalence of asthma-related symptoms was higher for those who lived along the main stem of traffic, and houses near a pollution source. Lower prevalence rates of respiratory morbidity were associated with households with a larger area of residence and more rooms. Pet keeping was associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03–2.06). Among boys, home decorations significantly increased the risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.21–2.41), current asthma (OR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.10–2.94) and current wheeze (OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.31–2.50). Environmental tobacco smoke, pests and visible mold on walls were associated with the occurrence of asthma symptoms, especially in boys. Based upon the findings of this study, it is concluded that home environmental factors are particularly important for the development of respiratory morbidity among children. Boys may be more susceptible to home environmental factors than girls.

Effects of Housing Characteristics and Home Environmental Factors on Respiratory Symptoms of 10,784 Elementary School Children from Northeast China

Background: Only few studies have assessed the relative impact of housing characteristics and home environmental factors on asthma and asthma-related symptoms in Chinese children, and to our knowledge, few studies have elaborated respiratory symptoms and allergies in this context. Objective: It was the aim of this study to assess the effects of housing characteristics, pet keeping, home decorations and other indoor environmental factors on respiratory health of Chinese children. Methods: We studied 10,784 children (6–13 years old) from 12 districts in Liaoning province, Northeast China. Information on respiratory health, housing characteristics and environmental pollution was obtained by a standard questionnaire from the American Thoracic Society. Results: Prevalence of asthma-related symptoms was higher for those living along the main stem of traffic, and for those with a house nearby a pollution source. Lower prevalence rates of respiratory morbidity were associated with households with a bigger area of residence and more rooms. Pet keeping was associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.25–1.84). Home decorations also increased the risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.45–2.04) and current asthma (OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.06–1.93). Environmental tobacco smoke, pests and visible mold on walls were associated with the occurrence of asthma symptoms. Conclusion: Home environmental factors are particularly important for the development of respiratory morbidity among children.

Prevalence of Asthma Symptoms in 7th- and 8th-Grade School Children in a Rural Region in India

We estimated the prevalence of asthma related symptoms in grade 7 and 8 students in a rural region in India. Method. An International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), questionnaire with added questions related to environmental and familial exposures, was administered to 3668 students from 48 rural schools near Malegaon, India. Results. A history of asthma was present in 10.7% students and 7.3% wheezed in the past 12 months, with about one-third having at least four attacks. Boys had the higher prevalence of all asthma-related symptoms than girls did, and symptom frequency was generally above the median reported for urban Indian ISAAC centers. Asthma and wheeze were associated with a family history of asthma, smoking, and frequent chest colds. Significant environmental factors included parental occupation and smoking and poor water sources. Increased odds of asthma occurred in students working for wages, exposed to animals, or eating in the kitchen. Relationships were similar for wheezing. Both asthma and wheeze were higher in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) group. Most markers of socioeconomic status and environmental exposure were not significant in multivariate analysis. Conclusion. The prevalence of asthma and wheeze in a rural region in India was similar to that found in the urban ISAAC study; it was higher in students from lower socioeconomic groups with poorer environmental conditions.

Prevalence of symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, and atopic eczema among adolescents living in urban and rural areas in different regions of Brazil

Background In Brazil, studies evaluating the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases among children living in rural area compared to urban area are rare. Some authors identified as risk factors for higher prevalence of current wheezing to have a family history of asthma, to have contact with pets, and being student in an urban school. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase 3 has shown higher prevalence of wheezing, nasal symptoms and cutaneous rash in the last 12 months in centers from Northern (N) and Northeastern (NE) regions of Brazil. Objective To evaluate if adolescents with similar genetic background, living in a rural area are protected against the development of symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, and atopic eczema when compared to those living in an urban area in the same region of the country. Subjects and Method Adolescents (13-14 year-old) living in Caruaru (Pernambuco) and in Santa Maria (Rio Grande do Sul) were enrolled in this study (2002-2003). The adolescents filled in the ISAAC written questionnaire (WQ), previously translated and validated to the Brazilian culture (30-32). Data obtained were transcribed manually into a database (Epi-Info) supplied by ISAAC's coordinators and were statistically analyzed by the SSPS-12 software. Results The prevalence of asthma related symptoms were higher among those adolescents living in the urban centers in comparison to the rural ones. These differences were significant for wheezy ever, wheezy in the last 12 months, asthma ever, and wheezy with exercise in Caruaru and for wheezy ever and asthma ever, in Santa Maria. Comparing urban areas, the prevalence of asthma related symptoms in Caruaru was higher than in Santa Maria, except for wheezy ever and wheezy with exercise. The opposite was observed comparing rural areas: the prevalence of asthma (except for nocturnal cough) was higher in Santa Maria despite lesser severity of symptoms in this city.

Prevalência de asma em adolescentes urbanos de Santa Maria (RS): Projeto ISAAC - International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood

INTRODUÇÃO: A asma é a doença crônica mais comum entre adolescentes. OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de asma e sintomas relacionados utilizando o protocolo do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) em adolescentes de Santa Maria (RS). MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, em que foram avaliados 3.066 escolares urbanos (13-14 anos) de Santa Maria (RS), selecionados por amostragem aleatória, conforme protocolo do ISAAC. Os dados foram coletados de março a junho de 2003 utilizando-se questionário padronizado do ISAAC. O questionário foi respondido pelos adolescentes em sala de aula, na presença dos pesquisadores. RESULTADOS: O número de questionários válidos devolvidos foi de 3.066 (95,5%). A prevalência dos sintomas de asma nos adolescentes foi: sibilos alguma vez na vida em 42,1% dos adolescentes; sibilos nos últimos doze meses em 16,7%; quatro crises ou mais de sibilos nos últimos doze meses em 1,9%; sono perturbado em uma ou mais noites por semana nos últimos doze meses em 3,8%; prejuízo na fala nos últimos doze meses em 3,8%; asma alguma vez na vida em 14,9%; sibilos após exercícios nos últimos doze meses em 19%; tosse seca à noite nos últimos doze meses em 32,4% deles. Houve valores significativamente superiores no sexo feminino. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência dos sintomas relacionados à asma em adolescentes urbanos de Santa Maria mostrou-se elevada, predominando entre as meninas. Ficou entre a média internacional e foi inferior aos dados observados nas capitais brasileiras. Estes dados reforçam a necessidade de estudos regionais para o melhor entendimento da prevalência da asma no Brasil.

Prevalence of respiratory symptoms in sheep breeders

Background: The European Farmers’ Study has indicated that sheep farmers might be at risk for the development of respiratory symptoms. Aims: To assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in sheep...

Prevalence Of Asthma And Allergic Disorders Among Children In Duzce, Turkey: ISAAC Phase One

Background: Allergic conditions, especially asthma, seem to be increasingly common worldwide. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was designed to allow comparisons between populations in different country. According to the series of ISAAC written questionnaires, it has been reported that there has been an increase in the prevalence of asthma and other atopic disorders in the world. As developing countries adopt an industrialized style of living, an increase in asthma prevalence can be expected. The development of asthma is determined by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. This cross-section study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of asthma, asthma-related symptoms and allergic disorders in childhood in the city of Duzce-Turkey. Methods: In total, 2330 ISAAC standardized questionnaires were completed by doctors questioning the mothers of children suffering from asthma or asthma-related symptoms. All children aged 6-16 years were included in this study. Results: At the end of the study, the prevalence of childhood asthma diagnosed by physicians in Duzce was 6.4%, allergic rhinitis was 3.35% and eczema was 2.8%; these percentages were compared with other cities in Turkey and other countries. In the asthma group, prevalence rates of asthma were significantly higher in boys than in girls. The prevalence of asthma-related symptoms and, in addition, living conditions affecting prevalence of asthma was evaluated in this survey. Conclusions: This survey shows that the variability in prevalence of childhood asthma between different countries is also seen in the different cities of Turkey. Turkey has different geographic regions, and thus the variability in prevalence is likely due to environmental factors.

Respiratory symptoms, asthma, exercise test spirometry, and atopy in schoolchildren from a Lima shanty town

BACKGROUNDLittle is known about the associations between symptoms of asthma, pulmonary function tests, and atopy in developing countries. While asthma in children is often associated with atopy, some studies of...

Respiratory symptoms, asthma, exercise test spirometry, and atopy in schoolchildren from a Lima shanty town

BACKGROUNDLittle is known about the associations between symptoms of asthma, pulmonary function tests, and atopy in developing countries. While asthma in children is often associated with atopy, some studies of wheezing illness have found little or no association, leading to suggestions that there are subgroups of wheezing illness. The ISAAC study recently reported that the prevalence of reported asthma symptoms in Lima, Peru was among the highest in the world, but did not report on the atopic status of the subjects.METHODSA cross sectional survey was conducted of children aged 8–10 years who had previously participated in a cohort study of respiratory and diarrhoeal illnesses in infancy. Questionnaires were administered asking about respiratory symptoms and asthma diagnoses, pulmonary function tests were performed before and after exercise on a treadmill, and atopy was determined from skin prick tests and specific serum IgE levels.RESULTSA total of 793 children participated in the survey. The prevalence of asthma related symptoms in the last 12 months was 23.2%, but only 3.8% of children reported a recent asthma attack. The mean differences in pretest percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were 8.1% (95% CI 2.4 to 13.8) between children who did and did not report an asthma attack in the last 12 months, and 5.3% (95% CI 2.8 to 7.9) in children who did and did not report respiratory symptoms. The corresponding differences in mean percentage fall in FEV1 after exercise were 3.1% (95% CI –1 to 7.1) and 5.1% (95% CI 3.4 to 6.8). Recent asthma or respiratory symptoms were not associated with atopy in this population (odds ratios 1.29 (95% CI 0.56 to 2.97) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.61 to 1.37), respectively).CONCLUSIONSMost asthma in these children was unrecognised and mild. Asthma and asthma symptoms in this population do not seem to be related to atopy.

Hábito de fumar, exposición al tabaco y síntomas respiratorios en la población escolar de 14–15 años de Terrassa (Barcelona)

Assessment of the prevalence of smoking habits, environmental tobacco exposure, and asthma-related symptoms in a cross-sectional study in schoolchildren aged 14-15 years in Terrassa (Barcelona). A sample of 793 students from 21 schools answered a self-administered questionnaire including information on smoking habits, environmental tobacco exposure and asthma-related symptoms. The prevalence of smoking daily was 16.3% (CI 13. 7-18.9); no difference between sexes were observed, while the proportion of occasional smokers was higher among girls. Age, maternal habit, friend's smoking habit and having older siblings were independently associated to the schoolchildren's smoking habits. Overall, 13% reported a positive history of wheezing and 20.3% of nocturnal cough during the previous year. Smoking daily and passive smoking were positively associated with the prevalence of asthma-related symptoms, but not with previous diagnosis of asthma. The prevalence of smoking among adolescents seems to have levelled off. There is some trend toward a higher prevalence among girls than among boys. The presence of smoking in the social environment is a strong predictor of the smoking habits among schoolchildren. Both active smoking and environmental exposure to tobacco smoke are associated to increased asthma-related symptoms.

Prevalence of asthma-related symptoms and bronchial responsiveness to exercise in children aged 13-14 yrs in Barcelona, Spain.

It is not clear whether asymptomatic bronchial responsiveness is a risk factor for development of asthma. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren from Barcelona (Spain). The association between respiratory symptoms and bronchial responsiveness to exercise was examined. For this study 3,033 schoolchildren aged 13-14 yrs were studied from the general population. Participants answered a respiratory questionnaire and a self-reporting video-questionnaire. A total of 2,842 children underwent bronchial responsiveness testing by exercise challenge. The study was part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) project. The prevalence of "current asthma" (recent wheezing and bronchial responsiveness to exercise) was 4% and the prevalence of "wheezing only" 10%. A fall in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) > or = 15% after exercise testing was found in 324 (11%) children, 29 (9%) of whom presented clinical symptoms of asthma. Bronchial responsiveness to exercise was significantly associated with all items of the asthma questionnaire. The prevalence of asthma-related symptoms in this inner-city area was lower than frequently reported rates in other countries, although the prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction was relatively high, and threefold greater than in a geographical area in the vicinity of Barcelona. These findings are consistent with the current view that asthma-related symptoms and bronchial responsiveness to exercise have different meanings in a community survey, and that local environmental factors could influence the prevalence of bronchial responsiveness.