Pattern of childhood asthma, and factors affecting its occurrence in children having age up to 12 years.

Abstract

Objective: To find the pattern of childhood asthma, and factors affecting its occurrence in children having age up to 12 years. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study. Setting: Pediatric Department, Women & Children Hospital MTI Bannu. Period: November 2018 to May 2019. Material & Methods: A sample of 100 subjects was selected by consecutive nonprobability technique. 1 Children having age up to 12 years. 2. Children having Asthma symptoms. 1. Children having age > 12 years. 2. Children not having Asthma symptoms. 3. Refusal. Results: Out of 100 patients, 73% were male patients and 27% were female patients; indicating increased prevalence of childhood asthma in males. 58% of children were Pre-School children indicating higher frequency of childhood asthma in younger children. Many children reported worsening of symptoms at night especially shortness of breath at night. Major factor was Aspirin because mothers of 34% of affected children were using aspirin during pregnancy. Conclusion: Frequency of childhood asthma is more in males as compared to females. Exercise, cigarette smoke and environmental allergens like dust and animals are the chief precipitating factors. Younger children are affected more frequently than older children.