Smoke and pollens are precipitating factors for asthma exacerbation

Abstract

Background: Asthma is most common chronic inflammatory disease of bronchial airways which is characterized by asthma attacks. These attacks are triggered by a number of precipitating factors. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the precipitating factor of asthma in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey in which the major precipitating factors of asthmatic people (n=100) were measured. The study was conducted at National Institute of Health Islamabad and Federal General Hospital Islamabad in 6 months between June 2013 to November 2013.A structure questionnaire was designed by consensus from expert consultant pulmonologists and physical therapist working in pulmonary Krehabilitation. Data collected retrospectively i.e. symptoms during the last 2 weeks were asked. Result: Precipitating factors such as smoke (18%), pollens (13%), working environment (12%),cold (12%), dust mites (10%), food (9%), perfumes (9%), exercise (8%),), cooking (5%), and animal allergy (4%) were found to be associated with occurrence of asthma attack Conclusion: Smoke and pollens are found to be the most common precipitating factors in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Key words: Bronchialasthma, precipitating factors,