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Indoor environmental risk factors in young asthmatics: a case-control study
A Lindfors1, M Wickman, G Hedlin
1Department of Paediatrics, Danderyd Hospital, Sweden.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Asthma risk in young children increases with genetic predisposition and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Combined exposure to pets, smoke, and damp housing significantly elevates asthma risk, particularly in sensitized children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory disease in children.
- Indoor environmental factors are implicated in asthma development and exacerbation.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between atopic heredity and indoor environmental risk factors with asthma in young children.
- To evaluate the impact of specific exposures like pets, tobacco smoke, and home dampness.
- To examine the combined effect of multiple risk factors on childhood asthma.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study involving 193 children with asthma and 318 controls aged 1-4 years.
- Assessment of atopic heredity and exposure to furred pets, environmental tobacco smoke, and home dampness.
- Skin prick tests to classify allergic sensitization to cats and/or dogs.
Main Results:
- Atopic heredity was a significant risk factor (OR 3.0, CI 2.1-4.6).
- Environmental tobacco smoke increased asthma risk (OR 1.7, CI 1.1-2.3).
- Combined exposure to pets, smoke, and damp housing showed a substantial risk increase (OR 8.0, CI 1.9-34.1), especially in sensitized children.
Conclusions:
- Genetic predisposition and indoor environmental exposures are key factors in childhood asthma.
- Environmental tobacco smoke and home dampness contribute to asthma risk.
- Synergistic effects of multiple indoor exposures highlight the importance of a healthy home environment for preventing childhood asthma.