Reasons of exacerbation among children with reactive airway disease

Reactive airway disease has a multifactorial aetiology, where genetic liabilities and environmental exposures interact in complex ways to cause reversible airway inflammation and obstruction and acute exacerbation can be life threatening. The present study was to assess the reasons of exacerbation among children with reactive airway disease which include infection, cold climate, lunar variations, discontinuation of metered dose inhaler and allergens and irritants. The study was conducted in a tertiary care centre Thiruvananthapuram among 101 caretakers of children with reactive airway disease. A structured interview schedule was used to assess the socio demographic data, clinical data of the child and the reasons of exacerbation. Among 101 children with reactive airway disease majority of children 67.3% the reason for exacerbation was cold climate, in 16.8% infection, 21.8% activity, 8.9% lunar variation, 10.9% discontinuation of metered dose inhaler and in 28.7% other factors of exacerbation include strong odour, pets, pollen, pests, smoke, mosquito repellents and dust. The study also revealed that 72.3% are having family history of allergic diseases and 27.7% do not have any family history of allergic diseases. Of the 73 children with family history of allergic disease 79.5% were having family history of asthma, 16.4% were having allergic rhinitis and 4.1% were having allergic dermatitis. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. It is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, affecting more than 6 million children worldwide Advances in science have led to an increased understanding of asthma and its mechanisms as well as improved treatment approaches. Proper identification and elimination of triggers can reduce the exacerbation of asthma.