Bronchial asthma and wheeze in a desert country.

A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted among school children (3300), aged 7-12 years, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the period January, 1988-February, 1990. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between asthma, allergic rhinitis, wheeze and eczema among Saudi school children. The relationship between pet-ownership and respiratory allergy was also studied. Detailed information was collected about wheeze and asthma in 3041 children and history of asthma and allergic rhinitis in their parents. The population sample had a high prevalence rate of diagnosed asthma (6.8%), history of wheeze (10.5%), allergic rhinitis (17.9%), and eczema (10.8%). Allergic rhinitis was the most frequently seen respiratory illness when compared to other respiratory symptoms. The prevalence rate of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among parents reflected the same pattern as that seen in the children. Prevalence rate for asthma in children with pets is twice that of children without pets (OR: 2.4; 95%, Cl: 1.8-3.1). The odds of having chronic cough (OR: 3.9; 95% Cl: 2.8-5.2), chronic wheeze (OR: 4.2; 95%, 3.3-5.4), allergic rhinitis (OR: 8.0; 95% Cl: 6.3-10.3) and eczema (OR: 2.8: 95 Cl: 2.1-3.7) was higher in children with pets than in children without pets. The present study revealed that pet-ownership was associated with increased respiratory symptoms.

Passive smoking effects on wheezy bronchitis.

Previous epidemiological studies have associated parental smoking with an increased incidence of lower respiratory illness and bronchial asthma. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between parental smoking habits and diagnosed wheezy bronchitis in schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia. In a cross-sectional study 3,041 schoolchildren ages seven to 12 years were randomly selected in Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh; representing three different geoclimatic regions of Saudi Arabia. Standardized questionnaires were used in our study. The results showed that paternal smoking had a significant effect on the frequency of wheezing when paternal and maternal smoking were considered separately. There was no considerable variation in the parental smoking habits in three areas. The association between passive smoking and diagnosed wheezy bronchitis and frequency of wheezing attacks was highly significant (P<0.0001). Overall, the results tend to confirm that there is a real effect of passive smoking on the respiratory health of children and that paternal smoking is a risk factor for wheezy bronchitis in children.

Prevalence of asthma and wheeze in two different climatic areas of Saudi Arabia.

In a cross-sectional study, the prevalence of asthma and wheeze was studied in 2300 school going children in two different environment and climate regions of Saudi Arabia, Dammam (humid-coastal) and Riyadh (dry-inland). The age range of children studied was 7-12 years (56% boys and 44% girls in Dammam; and 47% boys and 53% girls in Riyadh). A self-administered questionnaire was completed by parents of the children which includes information on age, sex, area, occupation and educational level of parents, history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, cough, wheeze, animals and pets exposure, family history of allergy and parental smoking habits. The results showed that prevalence of wheeze was more common in Riyadh (11.86%) than in Dammam (6.54%). Also, cough occurred more frequently in Riyadh (7.9%) than in Dammam (6%). The frequency of rhinitis was significantly more common in both areas than wheeze (Riyadh 17% and Dammam 12%). Also, the attack of breathlessness or tightness occurred more frequently in Riyadh (12.13%) than in Dammam (6.10%). When a more formal diagnosis of asthma was sought, this having been made by a doctor, the figures were 9.28% for Riyadh and 3.59% for Dammam. These figures showed major differences between the coastal and inland areas in the prevalence of bronchial asthma and wheezing with Dammam being relatively low risk whereas children in Riyadh region describe this more commonly.

Heredity of asthma in Saudi population.

In a cross-sectional study, the prevalence of asthma, hay fever and eczema was studied in 1150 schoolchildren attending school in Jeddah Western region of Saudi Arabia. The family histories of asthma, hay fever and eczema were examined in first degree relatives. The age range of children studied was 7-12 years, with a mean of 9.3 years (47% boys and 53% girls). A self-administered questionnaire was completed by the parents of the child to collect information concerning bronchial asthma, hay fever, and eczema in the target child and family history of respiratory allergy. A detailed family history and personal histories of asthma were available for 1035 Saudi children aged 7-12 years old. The rate of asthma and hay fever were significantly higher among siblings and offspring (cases) compared to their parents (p < 0.001). The results showed a high positive correlation between the relatives of affected children with respect to asthma and hay fever. These findings support the hypothesis that asthma and hay fever may be inherited in the Saudi population, but the mode of inheritance has yet to be determined.

Parental smoking and the risk of childhood asthma.

In order to explore the correlation between parents' smoking habits and bronchial asthma in children, we undertook a cross-sectional study of 3300 (54% males, 46% females) school children aged 7-12 years old. A survey of smoking habits and attitudes conducted in Saudi Arabia showed a positive correlation between parental smoking and asthma. This study showed a significant link between parental smoking and chest wheeze or whistling, cough, and family history of rhinitis. Evidence is accumulating that there is a relationship between parental smoking and respiratory symptoms in Saudi children. The present study results are clear evidence of a definite association between smoking in the home and bronchial asthma in young children, which not only may present immediate problems, but may also be a cause of illness in the future.