Factors Associated with Childhood Asthma

Background: Asthma is a leading cause of chronic illness during childhood. The common risk factors include upper respiratory tract infections and many environmental allergens. Objective: To seek association between certain factors and childhood asthma. Subjects and methods: This case control study was carried at Department of Paediatrics, Mayo Hospital Lahore, from December 2003 to Dec. 2004. One hundred and twenty five asthmatic children along with equal number of controls were studied. Demographic data and clinical information were recorded, from the parents by crossquestioning relating to environmental, personal and family information. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated. Proportions were compared using a Chi Square test. Multiple logistic regressions were used for analysis. Results: The factors found to have a significant association with asthma in childhood included environmental factors i.e., exposure to dust (OR=2.81, 95%CI:1.62-4.87, p-value 0.01), exposure to cigarette smoke (OR=29.4, 95%CI:14.1-62.35, p-value 0.01), pollens (OR=11.73, 95% CI: 6.2-22.3, p-value 0.01), exposure to home environment/ home dust mite (OR=10.17, 95% CI:2.8-43.6, p-value 0.01), cold weather (OR=27.81, 95% CI:9.5-88.1, p-value 0.01), intake of certain foods (OR=3.49, 95% CI:1.7-7.26, p-value 0.01), and family history of asthma, eczema, or allergies(OR=7.64, 95% CI:3.6-16.25, p-value 0.01). Conclusion: A significant association was found between asthma in childhood and various outdoor and indoor allergens