Risk factors for pediatric asthma in the South Bronx.

We identified main asthma risk factors for children living in the South Bronx, where asthma rates are eight times higher than the national average. This case-control study enrolled 261 children at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center from 2002 to 2003. We questioned the mothers on medical history and home environment. The most important risk factors for asthma in the South Bronx pediatric population are Hispanic ethnicity, family history of asthma, and exposure to tobacco smoke. South Bronx children limited to breast-feeding during the first 3 months of age are less likely to develop asthma.