The prevalence and associated factors of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema in Turkish children and adolescents

Abstract

Aim We aim to determine the prevalence and related risk factors of asthma and allergic diseases in school children and adolescent in Konya, Turkey, and to compare this prevalence with that of 11 years ago. Methods This descriptive correlational study also includes the third phase of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood protocol. A total of 2220 students aged between 6 and 18 took part in this study. Results In our study, prevalence of wheezing of 21.8%, eczema of 4.3%, and allergic rhinitis of 43.2% were found in students until this age. In the study, student smoking, school location, history of asthma in the family, mold or moisture at home, and mother's smoking now were related factors for wheezing, while eating habits, breastfeeding, and student's gender were determined as related factors for allergic rhinitis symptoms in the past 12 months. In addition, having a pet, eating habits, and school level were determined as related factors for eczema symptoms in the past 12 months (p < 0.05). As a result of comparison of the findings of this study with the results of the study conducted by Güner et al., it was determined that the rates of wheezing and allergic rhinitis had increased, whereas the rate of eczema had decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion It was determined that under the effect of urbanization in Konya, the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in students had increased, while the prevalence of eczema had decreased.

Pediatric pulmonology 2022 year in review: Asthma

“…In a similar study, Yazar and colleagues used the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaires to assess the prevalence of asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis in children in Konya, Turkey. The authors found a significant increase in asthma and allergic rhinitis, yet a decrease in eczema, when compared to data from 11 years prior 7 . Additionally, they found that school location, family history of asthma, mold or moisture in the home, firsthand smoking, and maternal smoking were all significant risk factors for students who endorsed wheezing in the last 12 months.…”

“…The authors found a significant increase in asthma and allergic rhinitis, yet a decrease in eczema, when compared to data from 11 years prior. 7 Additionally, they found that school location, family history of asthma, mold or moisture in the home, firsthand smoking, and maternal smoking were all significant risk factors for students who endorsed wheezing in the last 12 months.…”

Prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms and associated factors in six-year-old children in a municipality in southern Brazil

“…Another associated variable is the presence of mold or moisture on the child's bedroom walls. Recent data have shown the association between exposure to fungi in early childhood and the development of atopic conditions, including asthma, in late childhood 33 , 34 . Studies 35 , 36 observed that humidity in classrooms was strongly associated with an increase in wheezing crises and a decrease in spirometry among students exposed to humid settings.…”

The association between pre‐existing asthma and reduced risk of death among children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID‐19 in Brazil

“…For instance, some studies have shown poorer outcomes in children and adults with asthma 6,8,9 whereas others have detected a protective effect of asthma both for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and COVID‐19‐related death 10–12 . Therefore, the relationship between COVID‐19 and asthma is still unclear 13,14 . Moreover, in the pediatric setting, most studies are from high‐income countries, often with a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of findings 15–17 …”

“…[10][11][12] Therefore, the relationship between COVID-19 and asthma is still unclear. 13,14 Moreover, in the pediatric setting, most studies are from high-income countries, often with a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of findings. [15][16][17] We previously reported the clinical outcomes and risk factors for death in pediatric patients hospitalized during the first and second waves of COVID-19 in Brazil using a national registry of hospitalized cases of COVID-19.…”