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Asthma in preschool children: prevalence and risk factors

M M Haby1, J K Peat, G B Marks

  • 1Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia. michelle.haby@dhs.vic.gov.au

Thorax
|July 20, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Asthma risk in preschoolers is linked to genetics and infections, but can be reduced by breastfeeding and diet. Understanding these factors is key to preventing childhood asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric respiratory health
  • Epidemiology of childhood diseases

Background:

  • Childhood asthma prevalence is rising globally.
  • Identifying early-life risk factors is crucial for intervention.
  • This study investigated asthma prevalence and risk factors in preschool children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of recent asthma in preschool children.
  • To identify significant risk factors associated with childhood asthma.
  • To explore modifiable factors for asthma prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Survey of parents with children aged 3-5 years in two Australian cities.
  • Defined recent asthma based on diagnosis, symptoms, and medication use.
  • Assessed atopy via skin prick tests and collected data on other risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of recent asthma was 18-22%.
  • Risk factors included atopy, parental asthma history, early respiratory infections, and high polyunsaturated fat intake.
  • Breastfeeding and having 3+ older siblings were protective.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding and polyunsaturated fat consumption are key modifiable factors.
  • Targeting these factors may help reduce childhood asthma risk.
Abstract

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