role of occupation, diet and environment as risk factors in bronchial asthma

ABSTRACT

A total of 684 patients with asthma were administered a questionnaire to obtain information on personal lifestyle, occupational history, family history of allergy, respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and a detailed history about asthma. Patients were also subjected for detailed clinical assessment and investigation. In children asthma was more prevalent in males compared with females. While, among the adults, asthma was more prevalent among females. The majority of patients [89.7%] were life-long non-smokers. Allergic rhinitis [63.6%] were frequently encountered among the patients. Family history of asthma was reported by 52.2% of the patients. Paternal history of asthma was associated significantly with occurrence of asthma before the age of 15. Adult onset of asthma and history of allergy were significant risk factors affecting the course of an attack episode. The episode of asthma was seasonal in patients with early onset of asthma during childhood and in those with personal history of allergy. Nocturnal worsening of asthmatic symptoms were reported by a larger proportion of the patients [81.8%], young onset asthma and personal history of allergy were significant risk factors for developing nocturnal attacks of asthma. Sensitivity of food, respiratory irritants and changes in the weather were significant stimuli for an attack in adults and older patients with asthma. Infection was an important stimulus for asthmatic attacks in younger asthmatics. The role of occupational exposure was significant in the occurrence and severity of asthma