Smoke and pollens are precipitating factors for asthma exacerbation

JRCRS-2016; 4(1): 25-29

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,