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Asthma attributable to atopy: does it depend on the allergen supply?
Luis Garcia-Marcos1, Gloria Garcia-Hernández, Maria Morales Suarez-Varela
1Institute of Respiratory Health, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain. lgmarcos@um.es
Summary
Population attributable fraction (PAF) for childhood asthma linked to atopy varies significantly within Spain. Cartagena showed higher PAF for asthma symptoms and wheezing due to mites, contrasting with Madrid
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Allergology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
Background:
- Population attributable fraction (PAF) for childhood asthma due to atopy is underutilized in epidemiological studies.
- Regional variations in asthma epidemiology within countries are not well-established, particularly concerning atopy prevalence and specific allergens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the population attributable fraction (PAF) of childhood asthma owing to atopy between two distinct regions in Spain: Cartagena (Mediterranean coast) and Madrid (inland plateau).
- To investigate the influence of specific allergen sensitization (pollen vs. mites) on asthma PAF in different climatic and environmental settings within the same country.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase II methodology.
- Included 1039 children (10-11 years) from Cartagena and 663 from Madrid, employing questionnaires and skin prick tests for common allergens.
- Calculated PAF for asthma symptoms and wheezing attributable to atopy, adjusting for relevant risk factors.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in asthma symptoms was observed between children from Madrid and Cartagena.
- Atopy prevalence was significantly higher in Madrid (40.9%) compared to Cartagena (29.3%).
- Children in Madrid showed higher sensitization to pollens, while Cartagena children were more sensitized to mites.
- Higher PAF for asthma symptoms (45.5% vs. 28.6%) and current wheezing (14.2% vs. 6.2%) due to atopy was found in Cartagena compared to Madrid.
- Specific allergen contributions to PAF varied, with Cartagena showing higher PAF for mites and Madrid for pollens and molds, even after risk factor adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Regional disparities in childhood asthma PAF exist within Spain, influenced by differing allergen exposures.
- Environmental factors, such as climate, likely play a crucial role in shaping allergen prevalence and subsequent asthma burden.
- The study highlights the importance of considering local allergen profiles when assessing the impact of atopy on childhood asthma.
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