Lifestyle and environmental risk factors for comorbidities in adolescents with asthma

The prevalence of comorbidities in patients with uncontrolled asthma ranges from 33.0 to 70.0%. Given this statistic, the main objective of our research focused on adolescents with asthma to determine the relationship between sedentary lifestyle, parental smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, intake of foods rich in carbohydrates, and poor oral hygiene with the development of comorbidities. Identifying factors associated with comorbidities in adolescents could help establish measures that facilitate control and limit the development of severe or difficult-to-manage asthma. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, information from 1,178 adolescents was analyzed. Participants answered a self-administered questionnaire and received both a physical and dental examination.

A total of 126 adolescents were diagnosed with asthma. Of this group, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 57.1%, drug allergy was 17.5%, dental caries were detected in 69.8%, and gingivitis was detected in 36.5%. Approximately 28.6% of the young people with asthma were overweight, and 11.1% were obese. A multivariate logistic regression analysis found that living in a household with parents who smoke, having a sedentary lifestyle, or inadequate oral hygiene with tooth decay or gingivitis are significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the development of some comorbidities in adolescents with asthma.

Early detection of factors related to comorbidities in patients with asthma can help control respiratory symptoms and limit their progression to severe or uncontrolled asthma. For adolescents suffering from asthma, these findings can be used to promote a healthy lifestyle, by encouraging behaviors, such as healthy eating and adequate physical activity.