Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

[Is body mass index associated with asthma in children?]

Anna Szroniak1, Izabela Labedzka, Anna Breborowicz

  • 1Klinika Pneumonologii, Alergologii Dzieciecej i Immunologii Klinicznej III Katedry Peiatrii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Poznaniu, Poland.

Pneumonologia I Alergologia Polska
|May 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Obesity is a risk factor for asthma, but this study found no significant difference in Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile between asthmatic and healthy children. BMI did not correlate with asthma severity or treatment in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Asthma pathogenesis is complex, with obesity recognized as a significant risk factor for disease development and adverse outcomes.
  • Understanding the relationship between nutritional status and asthma severity is crucial for effective management in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between body weight and asthma severity in children.
  • To conduct a preliminary analysis of factors influencing nutritional status among pediatric asthma patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 101 children with varying persistent asthma severity (mild, moderate, severe) was studied.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile for age was calculated using standardized charts, with a control group of 45 healthy children.
  • Data collection involved physical examinations, spirometry, medical records review, and questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • Mean BMI percentile for age did not significantly differ between asthmatic children and healthy controls.
  • No statistically significant correlation was found between BMI percentile and asthma severity, although higher BMI was noted in boys with severe asthma.
  • Past food allergy and atopic dermatitis influenced BMI values, but BMI did not correlate with treatment duration or inhaled corticosteroid doses.

Conclusions:

  • The average BMI percentile for age in asthmatic children is comparable to that of healthy children.
  • No significant correlation was established between BMI values, asthma severity, or inhaled corticosteroid treatment in the studied pediatric population.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma