Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Background: Bronchial asthma (BA) is a major public health issue, particularly in low/middle-income countries where it is often under-reported and under-treated, leading to significant mortality. Asthma causes chronic airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness. Management includes medications such as beta-2 agonists and corticosteroids, as well as lifestyle changes. This study aims to analyze the clinical profiles of pediatric asthma in Baghdad, focusing on severity, risk factors, and differences between early-onset and late-onset asthma.

Methods: This observational study, conducted at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital from April 2023 to April 2024, aimed to examine the clinical profile and factors associated with BA in children aged 5 to 15 years. A sample of 200 children presenting with asthma symptoms was recruited using convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria were recurrent wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea for at least three months, while children with recent bronchodilator use, congenital heart disease, or structural lung conditions were excluded. Data collected included demographic, environmental, and clinical information, analyzed using SPSS. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from guardians.

Results: The study assessed asthma severity in 200 pediatric patients, revealing that 52% had intermittent asthma, 24% mild persistent, 19% moderate persistent, and 5% severe persistent. Most cases were in the 5.1-10 years age group (62%), with a higher prevalence of severe asthma in the older 10.1-15 years group. Early onset wheeze occurred in 43% of participants, while late onset was in 57%. Early onset was linked with a lower mean age, higher family asthma history, and more prolonged breastfeeding. Common triggers included seasonal variation, dust, upper respiratory infections, and smoke exposure.

Conclusions: The study found intermittent asthma was most common in pediatric patients (52%), with higher prevalence in younger children (53%). Severe asthma was more frequent in older children (9%). Early onset asthma was associated with a family history of asthma and allergies, revealing age-related patterns in severity and triggers.