The influence of altitude in bronchial asthma

Some asthmatic children living in mountain areas experience significant improvement in daily symptoms and in the degree of bronchial obstruction. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of altitude on the prevalence and morbidity of childhood bronchial asthma.

A questionnaire regarding the history and symptoms of asthma was distributed to 874 children aged 6-12 years, to be completed by their parents with the help of their pediatrician. A total of 583 children lived at sea level, 180 at an altitude between 501 and 800 meters, and 111 at an altitude between 801 and 1,200 meters. All children with recurrent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and a history of bronchial asthma were considered to have bronchial asthma.

The prevalence of childhood bronchial asthma in the mountains (800-1,200 meters) was twice as low as that at sea level (15.8% of children) (p <0.01). Parental smoking was more frequent in children who lived at sea level than in the mountains. Additionally, consumption of fish and oranges was more frequent at sea level. Children with asthma who lived in the mountains were absent fewer days from school per year (0.2) and had fewer nights with dyspnea per year (0.5) than asthmatic children who lived at sea level (1.6 days and 25 nights, respectively).

Bronchial asthma in children who live at high altitudes is characterized by low prevalence and low morbidity.