Childhood asthma in Qatar.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is one of the most important causes of morbidity in childhood. Significant differences in the prevalence of asthma have been reported in children from different countries. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to study the profile of asthmatic children in Qatar and compare it with other countries. METHODS: The study consisted of our outpatient asthmatic cases. It consists of detailed clinical questionnaires, physical examinations, and laboratory evaluations. RESULTS: Four hundred fourteen children with asthma were reviewed. The ages of the patients ranged from 7 months to 12 years with a mean of 6.15 years. There were 135 girls (32.6%) and 279 boys (67.4%). Seventy percent of patients had their first episodes within the first 2 years of life. Viral respiratory infections were the most common precipitating factor (95.17%). Fumes were incriminated as a triggering factor in 36% of patients with Bokhour representing 54% of them. The majority of cases were moderate in severity (56.52%), while 27.78% were mild and 15.7% of cases were severe. Fifty percent of patients had been hospitalized at least once. Eighty-six percent had positive family histories of allergic diseases. Absolute eosinophil counts of more than 500 cells/mm3 were found in 36.62%. Total serum IgE was elevated for age in 61.59%. Positive skin tests to significant antigens were noted in 80.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study describes the characteristic findings of asthma in Qatari children which are similar to reports from other developing countries except that our patients were younger in age of onset and Bokhour (an Arabian Gulf incense) was an important precipitating factor. It will help to improve understanding and management of asthma.