Episodes Of Respiratory Infections Research Articles

A rare case of ruptured infrarenal aortic aneurysm infected with Haemophilus influenzae type B.

CASE PRESENTATION A 56-year old woman presented to the emergency department with a vague history of abdominal pain that had persisted for five days. A long-standing smoker, she was otherwise healthy with no previously diagnosed chronic medical conditions, and had no recent exposure to any sick contacts; she did admit to having a short episode of an upper respiratory tract infection two weeks previously that self-resolved. There was also no recent history of travel. On examination, she was tachycardic (110 beats/min to 115 beats/min), hypertensive (169/110 mmHg) and afebrile, and had a soft but tender abdomen. White blood cell count was in the 20×109/L range. Computed tomography (CT) angiography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a 4 cm infrarenal aortic aneurysm extending to the aortic bifurcation with an associated 6.4 cm × 10 cm periaortic hematoma suggestive of rupture (Figure 1). The renal arteries and visceral vessels displayed mild atheromatous changes; other intra-abdominal structures were unremarkable. The patient’s relatively young age and female sex, coupled with the relatively small size and inflammatory appearance of the ruptured aneurysm on CT scan, were highly suggestive of a mycotic aneurysm. Blood cultures were drawn and ciprofloxacin and cefazolin were initiated. The patient was brought to the operating room for emergent open repair through a midline transperitoneal approach. Intraoperatively, note was made of an edematous retroperitoneum and an adherent duodenum. There were significant inflammatory changes in the aorta, extending distally into the iliac arteries. The periaortic fluid was noted to be nonpurulent; a sample of this was sent for Gram stain, and was reported as “moderate polymorphs with no organisms seen”. Given these nonspecific findings, the aneurysm was repaired with an in situ aorto-bi-iliac 12 mm × 7 mm Hemashield graft. The patient was then transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for postoperative care and continued on ciprofloxacin and cefazolin. Recovery was complicated, however, with acute occlusion of the graft. The patient underwent a second surgery with extensive thrombectomy of both limbs of the graft, as well as a left iliofemoral bypass due to consistently poor flow. The patient continued to decline, requiring increasing pressors to maintain hemodynamics. Antibiotics were broadened to include meropenem, vancomycin and fluconazole to treat her sepsis, despite negative blood cultures drawn at the time of the initial presentation. Additional complications included the need for hemodialysis for renal failure.

The use of a Fogarty Catheter in a Case of an Endobronchial Blood Clot in a Laryngectomy Patient

ABSTRACT Introduction Endobronchial blood clot causing airway obstruction is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition and can occur in a variety of clinical settings. Case report A male laryngectomy, with a background of bronchogenic carcinoma was treated conservatively for tracheitis following an episode of upper respiratory tract infection. However, he later developed airway obstruction secondary to endobronchial bleeding with endobronchial clot formation. Conventional methods of suctioning and rigid bronchoscopy with forceps failed to remove the hematoma. A Fogarty embolec tomy catheter was used to remove the hematoma, relieving the airway obstruction. Discussion The Fogarty embolectomy catheter has been widely used in various vascular operations for removal of arterial and venous emboli over the last years. However, its application in nonvascular cases is not widely published. Conclusion We report a case of tracheitis, complicated by an endobronchial clot in a laryngectomy patient, and demonstrated the use of Fogarty embolectomy catheter in such case when conventional methods fail. How to cite this article Wong B. The use of a Fogarty Catheter in a Case of an Endobronchial Blood Clot in a Laryn gectomy Patient. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):118120.

Acute Onset Transient Toe Walking in a 4 yr. Old Boy due to H1N1 Influenza a Virus Infection

During a recent influenza outbreak, a 4 year boy presented to us with acute onset toe walking following an episode of upper respiratory tract infection. Investigations were suggestive of myositis due to Influenza A virus. His symptoms subsided within 72 hours of admission and he made a full recovery with supportive care alone.

Elevated levels of antibodies against phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex and/or cardiolipin associated with infection and recurrent purpura in a child: a forme fruste of antiphospholipid syndrome?

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the occurrence of venous and arterial thrombosis, as well as morbidity in pregnancy, in the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies. The diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome is usually established based on clinical and laboratory findings by strictly following the 2006 Sapporo classification. However, the diagnosis remains challenging owing to the ongoing debates on the serological criteria. We report a case we describe as forme fruste antiphospholipid syndrome in which these criteria were not fulfilled. Purpura appeared repeatedly in a female infant starting from the age of 6 months and following episodes of upper respiratory infections and vaccinations. The levels of anti-cardiolipin IgG antibodies and anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex antibodies were elevated in accordance with these events. Histopathological evaluation revealed multiple small vessel thrombi in the dermis and adipose tissue. After 2 weeks of treatment with aspirin and heparin, the cutaneous symptoms subsided. Infection has long been associated with antiphospholipid syndrome, and anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies are considered a new marker for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome. Forme fruste antiphospholipid syndrome should be considered even if the antiphospholipid syndrome diagnostic criteria are not completely fulfilled, especially in the presence of elevated levels of anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies and known preceding infections.

Are we Underestimating the Real Burden of Malnutrition? An Experience From Community-Based Study.

Background:Since the inception of childhood nutritional programs in India, underweight has been taken to judge the nutritional status of children; but is it a true indicator of overall prevalence of malnutrition in a community?Objective:To estimate the overall prevalence of malnutrition by using Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) and to assess its usefulness over various conventional anthropometric indicators among under 5 children residing in Agra city.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted among under 5 years age children, from June 2012 to July 2013 in an urban slum of Agra. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometry and clinical examination, and classified as per World Health Organization (WHO) 2006 Growth Standards and CIAF.Results:Of the 458 children studied, 42.8% were underweight, 41.9% had stunting, while 22.7% had wasting. However, 60.04% of children were found to be malnourished as per the CIAF. Unlike three conventional anthropometric indicators of malnutrition, CIAF was observed to have a much consistent association with morbidity like diarrhea episodes in past 3 months (odds ratio (OR) = 2.09), acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) episode in past 3 months (OR = 1.58), and any illness requiring hospitalization (OR = 1.29).Conclusion:The CIAF should supplement the conventional indices of malnourishment, to provide a single, aggregated figure of actual number of undernourished children in a given population.

ВПЛИВ ПОЛІМОРФІЗМУ С-511Т ГЕНА IL-1P НА ПРОДУКЦІЮ ІНТЕРЛЕЙКІНА IL-1P У ДІТЕЙ, ЩО ЧАСТО І ТРИВАЛО ХВОРІЮТЬ.

<p> Проведене дослідження впливу однонуклеотидного поліморфізму гена IL-1 в С-511Тна продукцію IL-1 р у 80 дітей із частими рецидивами респіраторних вірусних інфекцій і 35 практично здорових дітей. Встановлено, що наявність «мутантного» Т-алеля однонуклеотидного поліморфізму С-511Т гена IL-1 р асоціює із збільшенням продукціїIL-1P лімфоцитами. Домінуючим<br />генотипом у практично здорових дітей є гетерозиготний СТ-варіантС-511Т поліморфізму гена IL-1 р (62,86%), в той час яку дітей із частими і пролонгованими епізодами ГРВІ домінує СС-гомозиготний генотип даного поліморфізму (51,25%).<br /><br /></p>

Specific antibody deficiency with normal immunoglobulin concentration in children with recurrent respiratory infections

BackgroundResponse to polysaccharide antigens is a test to evaluate the immunological competence of children with recurrent respiratory infections (RRI) of unknown cause and no other immune system abnormality. In order to detect specific antibody deficiency (SAD), a group of children with RRI without other immunodeficiency were prospectively studied. MethodsWe included 20 children (12 male), age range 3–14 years, with six or more annual episodes of respiratory infections (RI); one or more monthly episodes of RI during the winter months; or three or more annual episodes of lower RI. The children were immunised with 23-valent polysaccharide anti-pneumococcal vaccine, and ELISA was used to measure anti-polysaccharide IgG antibody levels for 10 pneumococcal serotypes at baseline (T0), and 45 days (T1) and one year post-immunisation (T2). Post-immunisation response above 1.3μg/ml for more than 50% of the serotypes was considered normal for children 2–5 years, and for more than 70% of the serotypes in children older than 5 years. ResultsAt T1 19/20 children showed a normal response for their age, and only one patient showed a deficient response, suggestive of classic moderate SAD. At T2, 8/20 patients showed deficient responses, suggestive of impaired persistence of specific antibodies. There was a noteworthy association between deficient response and asthma and allergic rhinitis. ConclusionsWe propose first ruling out local or systemic causes, then performing serum immunoglobulin IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE and IgG subclass levels, and finally measuring response to polysaccharide pneumococcal antigens for detection of SAD.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalizations in Pre-Mature Infants in Lima, Peru

We conducted a prospective cohort study in four hospitals in Lima, Peru in infants with a birth weight ≤ 1,500 g followed from birth hospital discharge up to 1 year of age to determine the incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations. We enrolled 222 infants from March of 2009 to March of 2010: 48 infants with a birth weight < 1,000 g and 174 infants with a birth weight of 1,000-1,500 g (birth weight = 1,197 ± 224 g; gestational age = 30.1 ± 2.6 weeks). There were 936 episodes of respiratory infections; the incidence of respiratory infections during the first 1 year of life was 5.7 episodes/child-years. The incidence of RSV respiratory infections that required emergency room management was 103.9 per 1,000 child-years, and the incidence of RSV hospitalizations was 116.2 per 1,000 child-years (244.9 in infants with a birth weight < 1,000 g and 88.9 in infants 1,000-1,500 g; P < 0.05). The incidence of RSV respiratory infections that required emergency management or hospitalization is high among pre-mature infants in Lima.

Compliance with recommendations on outpatient antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections: the case of Spain.

Inappropriate antibiotic use in primary care, such as in respiratory tract infections (RTIs), is an important cause of bacterial resistance. This study aimed at describing the current pattern of outpatient antibiotic use in acute RTIs in Spain and evaluating adherence to national recommendations. A retrospective observational study was performed including all the episodes of RTIs registered during a 1-year period in a north-eastern Spanish region. Data related to patient demography, diagnoses and antibiotic prescriptions were collected from the electronic medical history database in the region, and adherence to recommendations for antibiotic prescribing was assessed. One third of patients with a RTI were prescribed an antibiotic, with young adults (aged 15-64years) being the most treated. High prescribing rates were observed in patients with acute otitis, sinusitis and acute tonsillitis (about 70%), whereas low rates were found in acute bronchitis (50%) and non-specific upper RTIs (24%) episodes. A high prescription of broad-spectrum agents and antibiotics not recommended as first choice was observed. In accordance with Spanish guidelines, there exists a potential over-prescribing of antibiotics for all the diagnoses studied, especially in the adult population. Moreover, the choice of antibiotics is frequently based on agents with a high risk of increasing antimicrobial resistance. Multifaceted strategies should be implemented to improve the quality of antibiotic prescribing in primary care.

Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Respiratory Viral Infections in the First Year of Life: Association With Acute Otitis Media Development

Sensitive diagnostic assays have increased the detection of viruses in asymptomatic individuals. The clinical significance of asymptomatic respiratory viral infection in infants is unknown. High-throughput, quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect 13 common respiratory viruses from nasopharyngeal specimens collected during 2028 visits from 362 infants followed from near birth up to 12 months of age. Specimens were collected at monthly interval (months 1-6 and month 9) and during upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) episodes. Subjects were followed closely for acute otitis media (AOM) development. Viruses were detected in 76% of 394 URTI specimens and 27% of asymptomatic monthly specimens. Rhinovirus was detected most often; multiple viruses were detected in 29% of the specimens. Generalized mixed-model analyses associated symptoms with increasing age and female sex; detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, rhinovirus, metapneumovirus, and adenovirus was highly associated with symptoms. Increasing age was also associated with multiple virus detection. Overall, 403 asymptomatic viral infections in 237 infants were identified. Viral load was significantly higher in URTI specimens than asymptomatic specimens but did not differentiate cases of URTI with and without AOM complication. The rate of AOM complicating URTI was 27%; no AOM occurred following asymptomatic viral infections. AOM development was associated with increasing age and infection with RSV, rhinovirus, enterovirus, adenovirus, and bocavirus. Compared to symptomatic infection, asymptomatic viral infection in infants is associated with young age, male sex, low viral load, specific viruses, and single virus detection. Asymptomatic viral infection did not result in AOM.

Prevention of complications after inferior myocardial infarction treated by using percutaneous coronaryintervention – case report

We present the case of a 59 year-old female diagnosed with hypertension and dyslipidemia, who had previously suffered an inferior myocardial infarction, treated by using percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The patient subsequently developed hypertensive encephalopathy phenomena, due to an episode of respiratory infection. The hypertensive encephalopathy is a complex clinical entity that requires quick acknowledgment and proper management in order to decrease the high mortality rate. The diagnostic delay would lead to a negative prognosis for the patient, through the development of brain lesions, often irreversible.

Respiratory tract infections and asthma control in children

Asthma control is considered the major goal of asthma management, while many determinants of control are difficult to modify. We studied the association between respiratory infection episodes (RTIs) of various types and asthma control. Cross-sectional data were used from children aged 4-18 years with physician-diagnosed asthma who participated in a web-based electronic portal for children with asthma, allergies or infections. Asthma control was measured using the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) or the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Linear regression was used to analyse the association between categories of numbers of various types of RTIs sustained in the preceding 12 months (categorized) and asthma control, adjusted for potential confounders. Asthma control was assessed in 654 children, and 68.5% were clinically well controlled (ACT ≥ 20). Higher total numbers of RTIs in the last 12 months were strongly associated with a lower level of asthma control (p(trend) < 0.001). Similarly strong statistically significant associations were found for subtypes of RTI: ≥4 vs. 0 otitis episodes: coefficient -1.7 (95% CI -3.3 to -0.2); ≥5 vs.0 colds: coefficient -2.3 (95% CI -3.0 to -1.6); ≥3 vs. 0 bronchitis episodes: coefficient -3.1 (95% CI -4.0 to -2.3), each with p(trend) < 0.05. Higher numbers of reported respiratory tract infections are associated with lower level of asthma control. The different type of respiratory tract infections contribute equally to less controlled asthma.

Respiratory infections in children up to two years of age on prophylaxis with palivizumab.

OBJECTIVE:To identify the viruses involved in acute respiratory tract infections and to analyze the rates of hospitalization and death in children on palivizumab prophylaxis.METHODS:Prospective cohort of 198 infants up to one year old who were born before 29 weeks of gestational age and infants under two years old with hemodynamically unstable cardiopathy or chronic pulmonary disease who received prophylactic palivizumab against severe respiratory syncytial virus infections in 2008. During the study period, in each episode of acute respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngeal aspirate was collected to identify respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, influenza A and B by direct immunofluorescence, rhinovirus and metapneumovirus by polymerase chain reaction preceded by reverse transcription. Data regarding hospitalization and deaths were monitored.RESULTS:Among the 198 studied infants, 117 (59.1%) presented acute respiratory tract infections, with a total of 175 episodes. Of the 76 nasopharyngeal aspirates collected during respiratory tract infections, 37 were positive, as follow: rhinovirus (75.7%), respiratory syncytial virus (18.9%), parainfluenza (8.1%), adenovirus 2 (2.7%), metapneumovirus (2.7%) and three samples presented multiple agents. Of the 198 children, 48 (24.4%) were hospitalized: 30 (15.2%) for non-infectious etiology and 18 (9.1%) for respiratory causes. Among these 18 children, one case of respiratory syncytial virus was identified. Two deaths were reported, but respiratory syncytial virus was not identified.CONCLUSIONS:During the prophylaxis period, low frequency of respiratory syncytial virus infections and low rates of hospitalization were observed, suggesting the benefit of palivizumab prophylaxis.

Acute respiratory tract infection among preschool children in Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Malnutrition and infectious diseases both occur in the same unfortunate children and together they play a major role in causing the high morbidity and mortality in them.In developing countries, mortality from ARTI is 30?70 times higher than in developed countries and it has been estimated that up to 1/3rd of all deaths in children less than 5 years are attributed to ARTI. Aims &amp; Objectives: This study aimed to find the attack rate of Acute Respiratory Tract infection and the socio?demographic variables of pre?school children suffering from Acute Respiratory Tract infections. Method: A Comparative Longitudinal study was carried out among preschool children (3?5 years) who were selected from Private pre?primary school of urban area (155)&amp; Anganwadis (157) of urban slum area of karad town and followed for the period of one year. Mother/guardian/teacher was interviewed by using pre?tested proforma during this period. Results &amp; Interpretation: out of all 97.4% of private pre?primary school children had 1.8 episodes/child/year of ARTI compared to Anganwadi children where all of them had 2.5 episodes/child/year of ARTI. Conclusion: Maximum number of children from private pre?primary schools from urban area also suffered with at least one episode of Acute Respiratory Tract Infection compared to Anganwadi children from urban slum areas. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i4.10044 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2014 Vol.5(4); 34-38

Relative risks for digestive and respiratory episodes in patients with HIV co-infection

HBV, CMV or TB co-infection worsen progression of HIV, due to specific pathogenicity of etiologic agents and antimicrobial therapy which is required to be initiated. Authors have tried to establish a link between HBV, CMV or TB co-infection and the risks for emergence of digestive and respiratory episodes. We have used data from the medical records of HIV-AIDS department of Arad County Emergency Hospital for HIV patients in evidence in 2013. Data were analyzed SPSS.14.0 for Windows, MedCalc and Epi Info Analysis. Of the 149 patients 38 presented HBV, CMV or TB co-infection (25.5%) and statistically was significant in the history of their recorded adverse reactions that changing ART regimens was required (P=0.0324), they also displayed digestive and respiratory episodes P=0.0057 and P=0.0033, being at relative risk of 1.7344 to 1.6692 respectively for these episodes compared with HIV patients co-infection. HIV patients with co-infection stand at increased risk for digestive and respiratory intercurrent infectious episodes, monitoring them being a basic element for their quality of life and for survival rates improvements.

Diarrhea in Preschool Children and Lactobacillus reuteri: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To evaluate whether daily administration of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 reduces the frequency and duration of diarrheal episodes and other health outcomes in day school children in Mexico. Healthy children (born at term, aged 6-36 months) attending day care centers were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They received L reuteri DSM 17938 (dose 10(8) colony-forming unit; n = 168) or identical placebo (n = 168) by mouth, daily for 3 months, after which they were followed-up after a further 3 months without supplementation. Data from all children were included in the final analysis. L reuteri DSM 17938 significantly reduced the frequency and duration of episodes of diarrhea and respiratory tract infection at both 3 and 6 months (P < .05). Additionally, the number of doctor visits, antibiotic use, absenteeism from day school and parental absenteeism from work were significantly reduced in the L reuteri group (P < .05). A cost-benefit analysis revealed significant reductions in costs in the L reuteri-treated children. No adverse events related to the study product were reported. In healthy children attending day care centers, daily administration of L reuteri DSM 17938 had a significant effect in reducing episodes and duration of diarrhea and respiratory tract infection, with consequent cost savings for the community.

Effects of Growing‐Up Milk Supplemented With Prebiotics and LCPUFAs on Infections in Young Children

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of growing-up milk (GUM) with added short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS)/long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS) (9:1) (Immunofortis) and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) on the occurrence of infections in healthy children attending day care centres.Methods:In a randomised double-blind controlled, parallel, multicountry intervention study, 767 healthy children, ages 11 to 29 months, received GUM with scGOS/lcFOS/LCPUFAs (the active group, n = 388), GUM without scGOS/lcFOS/LCPUFAs (the control group, n = 379), or cow's milk (n = 37) for 52 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the number of episodes of upper respiratory tract infections or gastrointestinal infections based on a combination of subject's illness symptoms reported by the parents during the intervention period.Results:Children in the active group compared with the control group had a decreased risk of developing at least 1 infection (299/388 [77%] vs 313/379 [83%], respectively, relative risk 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–1.00; logistic regression P = 0.03). There was a trend toward a reduction (P = 0.07) in the total number of infections in the active group, which was significant when confirmed by one of the investigators (268/388 [69%] vs 293/379 [77%], respectively, relative risk 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.97; P = 0.004, post hoc). More infectious episodes were observed in the cow's milk group, when compared with both GUM groups (34/37 [92%] vs 612/767 [80%], respectively, relative risk 1.15, 95% CI 1.04–1.28).Conclusions:This is the first study in children to show a reduced risk of infection following consumption of GUM supplemented with scGOS/lcFOS/n-3 LCPUFAs. The borderline statistical significance justifies a new study to confirm this finding.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia complicated with diffuse panbronchiolitis: a case report and literature review

BackgroundFifty percent of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) have situs inversus. Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) might be one of the characteristic features of the lung in PCD.MethodsWe reported a case of PCD without situs inversus, yet complicated with DPB, and did literature review.ResultsA 34-year-old nonsmoking Chinese woman with 6-year primary infertility suffered from recurrent episodes of respiratory tract infections since childhood. Lung auscultation revealed end-inspiratory coarse crackles. Pulmonary function tests demonstrated mild obstructive ventilation functional impairment. Lung biopsy showed respiratory bronchiolitis. Nasal mucosa cilia showed the absence of both outer and inner dynein arms of the microtubules. Saccharin test was positive. Chest images showed bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis but no situs inversus. Paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) showed maxillary sinusitis and ethmoid sinusitis. A culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Her conditions improved in clinical symptoms and CT images after 2 months of treatment with azithromycin. Literature review revealed that very rare patients were diagnosed as PCD complicated with diffuse DPB, and all of them had situs inversus.ConclusionsThe association of DPB might be one of the characteristic features of the lung in PCD. Further studies on the concurrence of these two diseases are suggested so as to elucidate the mechanism of both.Please cite this paper as: Chen W, Shao C, Song Y and Bai C. Primary ciliary dyskinesia complicated with diffuse panbronchiolitis: a case report and literature review. Clin Respir J 2014; 8: 425–430.

Relationship between Episode of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Eruption Pattern of Third Molars in Okayama University Students

Relationship between Episode of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Eruption Pattern of Third Molars in Okayama University Students

Early Childhood Determinants of Bronchial Asthma - A Cross-Sectional Study from Western Uttar Pradesh

Background: In India, an estimated 57,000 deaths were attributed to Asthma in 2004, and it was seen as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The range of prevalence of bronchial asthma in children in India varied from 2% to 20%. There has been a constant increase in asthma prevalence worldwide in the last two decades, and the same is being observed in India. The objective was to determine the prevalence of bronchial asthma among children of 5-15 years and its early childhood risk factors in a slum of Meerut. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted by interviewing parents of randomly selected children using the International Study on Allergy and Asthma in Childhood Questionnaire. Assuming the prevalence of bronchial asthma to be 10% at 95% confidence interval and allowing a relative precision of 20% for the estimate, the sample size was calculated as 864. The observations thus obtained were analyzed using relevant statistical methods. Results: A total of 880 children of 5-15 years participated in the study showing a response rate of 97.02%. The prevalence of asthma was found to be 9.3%. Non breast fed children and more than 3 episodes of lower respiratory tract infections in infancy were found to be associated with bronchial asthma. Conclusion: The high prevalence of bronchial asthma warrants a national program to reduce the morbidity in children.