Risk Factors for Exacerbations in School-Age Children with Asthma

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Awareness of risk factors for asthma exacerbation can reduce the morbidity and mortality of the disease. The current study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with current asthma exacerbations in school-age children. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study enrolled children who were admitted to a tertiary outpatient paediatric allergy and asthma department and were diagnosed with asthma. Patients and their caregivers underwent an interviewer-administered questionnaire, which obtained information regarding the demographic features and parameters to determine environmental exposures along with previous disease history. Laboratory examinations, including complete blood count with differential, total IgE levels, skin prick tests, and pulmonary function tests, were also performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 431 children (288 male, 66.8%) with a median age (interquartile range) of 8.1 (6.3–11.2) years were included, among whom 265 (61.5%) had aeroallergen sensitization. Asthma was controlled, partially controlled, and uncontrolled in 154 (35.7%), 53 (12.3%), and 143 (33.2%) patients, respectively. A total of 81 patients (18.8%) experienced asthma exacerbation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a history of asthma exacerbation within the last year (odds ratio [confidence interval]) (20.73 [9.95–43.20]; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), a shorter asthma duration (&#x3c;2.5 years) (2.58 [1.44–4.61]; <i>p</i> = 0.001), and a lack of regular controller therapy (4.12 [1.54–10.98]; <i>p</i> = 0.005) were associated with current asthma exacerbation. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Awareness of risk factors for asthma exacerbation may help physicians treat school-age children with asthma by providing prompt and rational interventions in order to prevent asthma exacerbations.