[Risk factors for asthma in children in Lódź region].

UNLABELLED: The incidence of asthma and other allergic diseases continues to increase. In addition to genetic factors, environmental influences are thought to play an important role. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence and drive the atopic march from atopic sensitization to asthma in children from Lódź.

METHODS

800 atopic children, aged 5-18 years, were included to our study. Parents filled in questionnaires and gave interviews about their children's diseases. 405 (43%) children have diagnosis of asthma.

RESULTS

A significant association was observed between asthma and male sex, parents' history of atopy, parental highest school grade, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal chronic disease (especially chronic renal diseases), maternal allergen-sensitizing diet during breast-feeding, increased exposure to indoor humidity and moulds. Similar effect was seen for episodes of wheeze occurring in the first 3 years of life as followed: wheezing during an airway infection, wheezing not connected with respiratory tract infection, wheezing not related with physical exercise. Child's daycare attendance (nursery school) was associated with decreased risk of asthma.