Clinical Profile and Triggers of Childhood Asthma among Patients Diagnosed at Paediatric Asthma Clinic

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological studies from different parts of the world have confirmed that asthma prevalence is increasing in the world, especially in the developing countries. This study was on the profile of childhood asthma and various triggering factors of bronchial asthma among patients attending paediatric asthma.

Materials & Method: A hospital based descriptive study conducted among 100 children attended in asthma clinic, and diagnosed as bronchial asthma, from January 2014 to February 2015. The study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kerala State of India.

Results: Majority, 54% (54/100) of the bronchial asthma patients registered in Paediatric asthma clinic was in the age group of 5-8 years. 37% (37/100) children were suffering from moderate persistent bronchial asthma, 29% (29/100) intermittent variety and 11% from severe asthma. 51% of patients were found to have a positive family history of bronchial asthma, and 17% have family history of allergic rhinitis.

Conclusion: The severity of bronchial asthma increases mainly at the level of school entry. Most of the cases have positive bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis family history. Exacerbation of bronchial asthma is associated with triggering factors which can be better avoided.