Aetiologic, Precipitating and Environmental Factors in Child hood Asthma.

Abstract

Summary: A study of the actiologic and precipitating factors in Lronchial asthma in 380 children has revealed a positive family history in 37% of the cases, and allergy to various items (ascaris, D. Pteronyssinus, housedust and feathers, among others) in 60% of those tested. Exercise was a precipitating factor in 45%. Nocturnal attacks were prominent in 43% and increased frequency of attacks in the rainy season was a feature in 23%. Specific foods were identified as precipitating factors in only 4%, while the role of infection was difficult to evaluate. There was an association between the severity of asthma and the smoking habits of fathers and siblings. It is advocated that smoking should be strongly discouraged in the homes of children with asthma and efforts made to limit the exposure of these children to other identified precipitating and causal factors.