Environmental hazards and demographic and clinical data of childhood interstitial lung diseases in a tertiary institute in Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Background There incidence of childhood interstitial lung diseases increased in the last years in Egypt. Changes in environmental and climatic conditions may be contributing factors. Also, raising birds at home increased in the past years due to financial issues. Other environmental factors include increased industries, traffic, and pollution. Our study aimed to assess the environmental hazards and the severity of childhood interstitial lung diseases. Results Sixty-five percent of patients with childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD) were exposed to cigarette smoke; 45% were exposed to birds, 30% to industrial wastes, 20% to grass and pesticides, and 10% to animals. Conclusions Exposure to cigarette smoke and birds increases the risk of development of chILD.

Keywords

• Childhood interstitial lung disease
• Birds
• Egypt
• Environmental factors