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Bronchial asthma is a common chronic chest disease in Nigerian children, contrary to previous beliefs. Ascaris and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were identified as the most frequent asthma-related antigens.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Bronchial asthma is often considered rare in African children.
- Chronic chest diseases represent a significant health concern in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of bronchial asthma in Nigerian children.
- To identify common antigens associated with childhood asthma in Ibadan.
Main Methods:
- Clinical and laboratory evaluation of 200 Nigerian children diagnosed with bronchial asthma over 2.5 years.
- Skin testing to determine allergic sensitization to various antigens.
Main Results:
- Asthma is the second most common chronic chest disease in Ibadan, Nigeria, after pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Skin tests revealed Ascaris as the most prevalent antigen linked to asthma, followed by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.
Conclusions:
- Childhood bronchial asthma is more common in Nigeria than previously reported.
- Ascaris sensitization is a significant factor in pediatric asthma in this population.
Abstract:
Clinical and laboratory studies on bronchial asthma in 200 Nigerian children who were seen during a 2 1/2-year period in Ibadan are described. Contrary to reports that the condition is rare in African children, after pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma is the next most common chronic chest disease in Ibadan. While many features of the disease are similar to those seen elsewhere, skin tests indicate that ascaris is the most common antigen associated with asthma, followed by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.