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Determinants of Allergic Sensitization, Asthma and Lung Function: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in Italian Schoolchildren

Author

Listed:
  • Gaspare Drago

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy
    Both authors contributed equally to the present work.)

  • Silvia Ruggieri

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy
    Both authors contributed equally to the present work.)

  • Giuseppina Cuttitta

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy)

  • Stefania La Grutta

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy)

  • Giuliana Ferrante

    (Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy)

  • Fabio Cibella

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy)

Abstract

Prenatal smoking exposure and early-life respiratory infections are major determinants of asthma during childhood. We investigate the factors influencing allergic sensitization (AS), asthma, and lung function in children and the balance between individual and environmental characteristics at different life stages. 1714 children aged 7–16 years and living in southern Italy were investigated using a parental questionnaire, skin prick tests, and spirometry. We found 41.0% AS prevalence: among children without parental history of asthma, male sex, maternal smoking during pregnancy (MatSmoke), and acute respiratory diseases in the first two years of life (ARD2Y) were significant risk factors for AS. MatSmoke was associated (OR = 1.79) with ARD2Y, and this association was influenced by sex. ARD2Y was, in turn, a significant risk factor (OR = 8.53) for childhood current asthma, along with AS (OR up to 3.03) and rhinoconjuctivitis (OR = 3.59). Forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25–75% ) was negatively affected by ARD2Y, with a sex-related effect. Thus, males exposed to MatSmoke had significantly lower FEF 25–75% than unexposed males. Despite the difficulty of discriminating among the complex interactions underlying the development of allergic respiratory diseases, ARD2Y appears to strongly influence both asthma and lung function during childhood. In turn, ARD2Y is influenced by prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke with a sex-dependent effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Gaspare Drago & Silvia Ruggieri & Giuseppina Cuttitta & Stefania La Grutta & Giuliana Ferrante & Fabio Cibella, 2020. "Determinants of Allergic Sensitization, Asthma and Lung Function: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in Italian Schoolchildren," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:14:p:5087-:d:384538
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sabrina Rovelli & Andrea Cattaneo & Camilla P. Nuzzi & Andrea Spinazzè & Silvia Piazza & Paolo Carrer & Domenico M. Cavallo, 2014. "Airborne Particulate Matter in School Classrooms of Northern Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-24, January.
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