Unhealthy habits and comorbidities associated with uncontrolled asthma in young people

Abstract

Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways that affects more than 260 million people worldwide and has been related to more than 460,000 deaths a year. It is estimated that in 60% of asthma cases, the symptoms are not adequately controlled. The objective of this study was to determine the association between some comorbidities, habits, and health risk behaviors with uncontrolled asthma in a sample of young people with asthma.

Methods

Through a cross-sectional study, data from 1,078 young people aged 17 to 19 years were analyzed. Information was collected through physical examination, direct questioning, and the application of a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

In the group of young people with asthma, the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma was 20.6%, of which 53.8% were women, 76.9% suffered from rhinitis, 46.2% were overweight and 23.1% were obese. In the group of young with uncontrolled asthma, gingivitis was detected in 53.8% and alcohol consumption in 84.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between allergic rhinitis, gingivitis, carbohydrate intake, alcohol consumption, overweight, and obesity with uncontrolled asthma.

Conclusions

Parents and members of the health team need to identify on time the risk factors associated with uncontrolled asthma in young people with asthma to limit its development and the negative effects it generates. The results of this study should be used to strengthen programs that promote the comprehensive health of adolescents.

Keywords:

• Uncontrolled asthma
• to prevent risk factors
• oral health
• comorbidities

Acknowledgments

We thank the adolescents who participated in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding Author, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.