Risk Factors for Asthma in Children in Kunming City， China

［Abstract］Objectives　To investigate the risk factors for asthma in children in Kunming City and to propose asthma control strategy in the region. Methods Children with confirmed diagnosis of asthma， as well as an equal number of non-asthmatic children，were selected for a case-control study. Questionnaires regarding asthmatic and non-asthmatic children were filled out respectively. Double entry and validation were adopted for all data and analysis was carried out using Epi-Info software. McNemar test method was used for difference analysis and logistic regression analysis method was used for correlation analysis between the risk factors. Results　Factors including history of drug allergy，family history of allergy，allergic rhinitis，food allergies， adding protein content in baby foods prematurely （3-6 months） and house renovation were associated with asthma （P＜0.05）. Another risk factor was the use of antibiotics within one-year-old （P＝0.033）. Family history of allergy，adding protein content in baby foods prematurely （3-6 months）， house renovation were the independent risk factors for asthma，with odds ratios of 5.583， 2.236 and 2.083 respectively. Conclusion Genetic factors，adding protein content in baby foods prematurely， house renovation and the use of antibiotics within one-year-old may be the risk factors for asthma. Early prevention and treatment of asthma are more important before children develop abnormal lung function， especially in the plateau or sub-plateau region.