Fatores de risco para a asma em adultos, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract

IntroduçãoA asma brônquica constitui-se em um importante problema de saúde pública, visto que apesar do avanço no conhecimento da patogênese da doença, sua morbidade e mortalidade permanecem elevadas 1 .Os estudos populacionais avaliando a prevalência da asma demonstram resultados bastante variáveis. Tal observação, em parte, relaciona-se à variabilidade na prevalência da doença entre populações distintas. Por outro lado, expressam a dificuldade de estabelecer critérios diagnósti-cos confiáveis em estudos epidemiológicos para a doença, uma vez que o diagnóstico da mesma baseia-se fundamentalmente em parâmetros clínicos 2 .Embora alterações nos critérios diagnósticos das doenças das vias aéreas, que cursam com obstrução ao fluxo aéreo, sejam uma das responsáveis por este quadro epidemiológico 1 , parece haver um real aumento na prevalência da doença, assim como observado em outras condições alérgicas 3 . Tal fenômeno, muito provavelmente relaciona-se à maior exposição aos fatores de risco ambientais 4 , tais como alergênios 1 , aumento da poluição atmosférica 5 , variações climáticas e tabagismo 6 . Nesse sentido, torna-se necessá-rio o desenvolvimento de protocolos, visando a definir, de forma confiável e precisa, a incidência e prevalência da doença e apontar possíveis fatores de risco.ARTIGO ARTICLE Macedo SEC et al.

Inhaler use in adolescents and adults with self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema in the city of Pelotas, Brazil

“…( 14 ) In the present study, by combining the questions regarding the diagnosis of asthma (no specific recollection period) and symptoms in the previous year, we found that 4.5% of those who were 20 years of age or older reported this condition. In addition, when analyzing that age group, we found significant differences between the genders in terms of the prevalence of asthma; this finding is consistent with those of previous studies, ( 13 , 14 ) the prevalence of asthma being higher among females (7.1% vs. 4.3%; p = 0.002). …”

“…The prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma was investigated in adults (20 years of age or older) in studies conducted in the city of Pelotas in 2000 ( 13 ) and 2010. ( 14 ) However, the criteria used in those studies in order to define the outcome differ from those used in the present study, and it is therefore difficult to compare the studies in terms of the reported prevalence.…”

“…( 14 ) However, the criteria used in those studies in order to define the outcome differ from those used in the present study, and it is therefore difficult to compare the studies in terms of the reported prevalence. The prevalence of self-reported asthma in the previous year has been reported to be 4.7% ( 13 ) and 5.2%. ( 14 ) In the present study, by combining the questions regarding the diagnosis of asthma (no specific recollection period) and symptoms in the previous year, we found that 4.5% of those who were 20 years of age or older reported this condition.…”

Trend of self-reported asthma prevalence in Brazil from 2003 to 2013 in adults and factors associated with prevalence

“… 5 There are just two publications providing prevalence data for adults, one conducted in 2002-2003 for 18 and 45 years old, and the other using the National Health Survey in 2013 for individuals aged 18 or older. 6 , 7 No studies to date have evaluated trends in asthma prevalence in the adult population.…”

Indoor Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases in Rural Areas of North and Northeast Brazil

“…As for the contact with smoking, it is already well documented in the literature its association with the studied diseases, mainly with bronchitis (Macedo et al, 2007;Menezes, 1997). Smoking is pointed out as the main cause of the development of chronic bronchitis (Menezes, 1997).…”