IMPACT OF OBESITY ON ASTHMA CONTROL AND PULMONARY FUNCTION IN ASTHMATIC CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Asthma and childhood obesity are globally growing public health challenges. Obesity is recognized for exacerbating asthma control in children, with pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to pulmonary dysfunction. Understanding this complex interaction is crucial for effective clinical management and the development of appropriate health strategies.

Aims: The main objective was to analyze the impact of obesity on asthma control and pulmonary function in asthmatic children.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 165 asthmatic children and adolescents followed in specialized outpatient clinics. Medical record data were used to evaluate Body Mass Index (BMI) using Z-scores to classify overweight/obesity, asthma control (GINA criteria and Asthma Control Test - ACT), and pulmonary function (spirometry). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The sample had a mean age of 11.00 ± 3.21 years, with 61.21% male participants and 34.50% presenting overweight/obesity. A significant association was observed between overweight/obesity and worse asthma control (GINA: p=0.047; ACT: p=0.041). However, no significant differences were observed in most conventional spirometric parameters between the groups.

Conclusions: Obesity in asthmatic children was significantly associated with worse disease control, even in the absence of significant changes in traditional pulmonary function tests. This reinforces the need for integrated approaches, including nutritional monitoring and promotion of physical activity, in the management of pediatric asthma.