RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CHILDHOOD ASTHMA

Abstract

Objective: To identify and evaluate risk factors associated with childhood asthma among children attending a tertiary-care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan.

Study Design: A case–control study design was employed.

Place and Duration of Study: The Study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Gulab Devi Chest Hospital, Lahore, during the period from May 2025 to September 2025.

Methodology: A cohort of 200 pediatric subjects was recruited, comprising 100 clinically diagnosed cases of asthma and 100 controls matched for age, sex, and residential background, who were free from asthmatic conditions. Comprehensive data pertaining to familial history, parental atopy, exposure to passive tobacco smoke, environmental allergens, early weaning practices, pet ownership, allergic rhinitis, and the frequency of respiratory tract infections were procured utilizing a structured questionnaire following the acquisition of informed consent. The calculation of odds ratios (ORs) was conducted, with statistical significance evaluated through Pearson’s chi-square test.

Results: Identified significant risk factors comprised a familial history of asthma (OR 1.8, p < 0.0001), the presence of allergic rhinitis (OR 2.7, p < 0.0001), exposure to smoking (OR 2.2, p = 0.0001), environmental allergens (OR 1.6, p = 0.0067), parental atopy (OR 2.0, p = 0.0034), and a high frequency of respiratory infections (OR 3.5, p < 0.0001). Conversely, early weaning practices and exposure to pets did not exhibit any statistically significant correlation with asthma.

Conclusion: Childhood asthma exhibits a robust association with genetic predisposition, allergic comorbidities, exposure to tobacco smoke, and recurrent respiratory infections. Preventative measures should prioritize the mitigation of environmental risks and the early identification of children at heightened risk.