Abstract

Qasim Khalaf Saadon, Dr. Aida Abdul Kareem and Dr. Hanan Radhi*

ABSTRACT

Background: Asthma and obesity are two of the most common conditions of childhood and adolescence. The prevalence of asthma has increased worldwide during the last several decades, An increasing trend in body mass index in affluent countries has been paralleled by an increase in asthma and atopic disorders. In addition to an increased risk for asthma, obesity may be associated with asthma severity and/or poor asthma control. Objectives: Assess frequency of obesity among asthmatic children and its effect on severity of asthma and to compare between asthmatic children and obese control regarding some factors concerning residence, parental education, dietary habit, and sedentary life style. Subjects and methods: A case control study was carried out on 79 asthmatic children (6-12) years (36 males and 43 females) at Basra Maternity and Children Hospital and 210 apparently healthy children (124 males and 86 females). Age and sex were matched in both groups. Mean body mass index (BMI) was assessed in both groups. Asthmatic children were compared with obese children from control in relation to some factors. BMI was assessed in relation to severity of asthma in asthmatic children. Results: It was found that mean Body mass index is significantly higher in asthmatic children than control group. (P. value 0.000).Asthmatic females had significantly higher body mass index than males.(P. value 0.000). Both females and males in control group had similar body mass index (P. value ?0.05). Obesity and overweight was significantly higher in asthmatic children (90.5% and 43.6%, 54.4% and 25.7%) than control groups respectively. (P. value 0.005), and higher among asthmatic female than male (P. value 0.000).Asthmatic children and obese children from control had higher percentage of mothers with low education,(55.6%, 63%) respectively. Both groups were similar in residence (P. value ?0.05).Asthmatic children and obese children from control were similar in dietary habit were had (1-3) snacks/day. (P. value ?0.05). Asthmatic children and obese children from control were watching television, playing video games ?2hour/day, and had physical activity?1hour/day, in percentage of (72.2%,81.5%), (75.9%,77.8%), (81%, 74.1%).(P. value ?0.05).Parental asthma and other allergic disease are significantly associated with asthmatic children .(P. value 0.000). Conclusion: Body mass index is significantly higher in severe asthma (P. value 0.000). Asthma and Obesity are similar in dietary habit, low education of mothers, residence, sedentary life. Recommendations: It is important to measure Body mass index for all asthmatic children and observe respiratory symptoms in obese children. Healthy diet and physical activity are needed to be encouraged in asthmatic and obese children.