EVALUATION OF ASTHMA: AGGRAVATING FACTORS AND FAMILY HISTORY- A PRO-SPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Asthma is a respiratory disorder prevalent in around 15% population of Pakistan. The global prevalence of asthma varies widely from country to country, however, ranges between 4.3%- 8.6%. The factors aggravating asthma in urban areas are well established. Still, there is limited data available from rural areas for the pattern of asthma, its aggravating factors and its association with family history. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate these factors. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in outdoor patient departments (OPD) of hospitals in Tando Adam, Sindh, Pakistan. In this study, 300 asthmatic patients were included. A non-probability convenient sampling method was adopted, and data was collected by filling a pre-designed structured proforma. The data showed that male patients were predominate with a rate of 56% as compared to 44% of females. Age and family history was not significantly associated with asthma. However factors environmental pollutants and smoking mainly associated with asthma. Quaderple therapy was most frequently prescribed method of treatment. Further studies with long term term follow-up will be required to confirm findings of this study.