Indoor Allergens, Asthma, and Asthma-related Symptoms among Adolescents in Wuhan, China

Document Type

Article

Department

Community and Global Health (CGU)

Publication Date

9-2004

Disciplines

Allergy and Immunology | Disorders of Environmental Origin | Environmental Public Health | Environmental Studies | International Public Health

Abstract

Purpose

Information on indoor allergen exposures among non-Western populations, which have lower prevalence of atopic illness, is scant. We examined whether exposures to common indoor allergens were associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma and asthma-related symptoms among Chinese adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 4185 ninth grade students was conducted at 22 randomly selected schools in Wuhan, China. Information on respiratory health and exposures to indoor allergens was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire completed in class.

Results

Having animals currently was associated with persistent cough [prevalence odds ratio (POR) = 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI ): 1.21–2.11] and wheeze (POR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.03–1.94). Early-life exposure to animals was also associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma (POR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.35–2.82). Associations with respiratory symptoms strengthened with higher levels of exposure and for exposure in both early childhood and in adolescence. Exposure to cockroaches and having mold/water damage in the home contributed especially to wheezing (POR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.41–2.90 for cockroaches; POR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.82–3.40 for mold/water damage).

Conclusions

Indoor allergen exposures were positively associated with asthma diagnosis and persistent respiratory symptoms among Chinese adolescents. Neither early-life nor current exposure to animals was protective for asthma or asthma-related symptoms.

Rights Information

© 2004 Elsevier Inc.

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