Risk factors associated with symptoms of asthma in India

Introduction: Asthma is a multifactorial disease manifesting due to an interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Aims: In this sub analysis of the Indian data from Global asthma network (GAN), the risk factors associated with symptoms of asthma were analyzed. Methods: Data from children in two age groups of 6-7 years and 13-14years and their parents were collected in this international, multicenter, school-based questionnaire study from 2017-18. Results: 20 084 children were included in the 6–7-year age group, 25 887 children were included in the 13–14-year age group and 81 296 parents were included. Risk factors of asthma in children: presence of asthma (adjusted odd’s ratio AOR 4.64, 95%CI 3-7.16) or allergic rhinitis (AOR 1.47, 95%CI 1.02-2.13) in parent, farm animal exposure (AOR 1.77, 95%CI 1.11-2.81), chest infection in first year of life (AOR 1.77, 95%CI 1.29-2.43), damp spots at home (AOR 2.77, 95%CI 1.82-4.26) and lying on sheep skin (AOR 3.58, 95%CI 2.61-4.91). Risk factors in adolescents: childhood eczema (AOR 2.14, 95%CI 1.51-3.04), presence of asthma in parents (AOR 1.98, 95%CI 1.38-2.84), exposure to cats (AOR 1.39, 95%CI 1.09-1.78), consumption of curd(AOR 1.69, 95%CI 1.31-2.19) and ice-creams (AOR 1.35, 95%CI 1.09-1.66). In the adults the predisposing factors: hay fever in parents (AOR 6.14, 95%CI 5.39-6.99), damp spots in houses (AOR 1.43, 95%CI 1.17-1.75), use of air conditioners (AOR 1.27, 95%CI 1.05-1.54), and caesarian section(AOR 1.31, 95%CI 1.13-1.52). Whereas potato (AOR 0.85, 95%CI 0.74-0.97) and milk consumption(AOR 0.86, 95%CI -0.75-0.98) were protective in adults. Conclusion: Symptoms of asthma are common in all age-groups and there are a multitude of factors predisposing to asthma.