Estimation of Atopy and Allergies Among Sudanese Children with Asthma

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory problem characterized by a reversible hyper-responsive airway obstruction that is provoked by allergens, infections, or nonspecific triggers. The study aims to assess the coexistence of atopy and allergies among children with asthma.
Methods: This single-center study was conducted at Mohamed El-Amin H. Hospital, Sudan. A free online sample size calculator was used. A specially designed form was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 20.0.
Results: A total of 300 participants were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 7.46 ± 3.93 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.3:1. A total of 215 (71.6%) children had a family history of asthma; atopy was allergic rhinitis in 108 (36%), eczema in 53 (17.7%), food allergy in 38 (14%), and allergic conjunctivitis in 29 (9.7%). A significant association was observed between male gender and family history of asthma, atopy, and coexisting personal history of atopy, P = 0.002, 0.004, and 0.001, respectively. All participants who had atopy had allergic rhinitis; 53 (49%) had atopic dermatitis, 29 (26.8%) had coexisting allergic conjunctivitis, and food allergies were found in 38 (35.2%) participants. Common food allergies found were eggplants, fish, cow milk, and banana. Atopy and allergies were common among those who were 6–10 years old, however, only allergic rhinitis was statistically significant with age (P = 0.021).
Conclusion: Combined family history of asthma and atopy was common, few had atopy only, and fewer had neither family history nor atopy. Atopy found was allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczemas, and food allergy.