Clinical profile, risk factors, and asthma control among children aged 5-15 years with bronchial asthma attending a tertiary care hospital: A cross-sectional observational study.

Dr. Bolishetti Kalyan  Kumar; Dr Mounika  Vaditya; Dr. V. Veena

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2642

Authors

Dr. Bolishetti Kalyan Kumar Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Jagtial, Telangana
Dr Mounika Vaditya Associate Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana
Dr. V. Veena Assistant Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Government Medical College, Narsampet, Telangana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2642

Keywords:

Bronchial asthma, children, asthma control, risk factors, allergic rhinitis, passive smoking, inhaler technique, tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is a common chronic respiratory disorder in children and contributes to recurrent symptoms, school absenteeism, emergency visits, and impaired quality of life. Local data on clinical presentation, modifiable risk factors, and asthma control are useful for planning pediatric asthma care.

Objectives: To assess the clinical profile, risk factors, and asthma control status among children aged 5-15 years with bronchial asthma attending a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: This observational study included 50 children with bronchial asthma at Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India, from August 2025 to January 2026. Demographic data, symptoms, environmental exposures, allergic history, medication use, inhaler technique, asthma control, and spirometric pattern were recorded using a structured proforma. Descriptive statistics and association tests were applied.

Results: The mean age was 9.4 +/- 2.8 years, and 60.0% were boys. Wheeze was present in all children; recurrent cough in 88.0%, breathlessness in 72.0%, nocturnal symptoms in 58.0%, and seasonal variation in 62.0%. Household dust exposure was the most frequent risk factor, followed by recurrent respiratory infections, passive smoking, family history of asthma or allergy, and allergic rhinitis. Asthma was well controlled in 36.0%, partly controlled in 40.0%, and uncontrolled in 24.0%. Suboptimal control was significantly associated with passive smoking, allergic rhinitis, recurrent respiratory infections, irregular controller medication use, poor inhaler technique, and emergency visits in the previous year.

Conclusion: Pediatric bronchial asthma in this cohort was characterized by frequent respiratory symptoms and a high burden of modifiable risk factors. Nearly two-thirds of children had partly controlled or uncontrolled disease.

Recommendations: Regular asthma control assessment, trigger avoidance, inhaler technique review, adherence counselling, and management of allergic rhinitis should be integrated into routine pediatric care.

Author Biographies

Dr. Bolishetti Kalyan Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Jagtial, Telangana

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Jagtial, Telangana, India. His academic and clinical interests include pediatric respiratory disorders, childhood asthma, infectious diseases, and child health care in tertiary hospital settings. He is actively involved in undergraduate teaching, clinical pediatrics, and research related to common pediatric morbidities.

Dr Mounika Vaditya, Associate Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana

is a qualified medical professional with an MBBS degree from Katuri Medical College (2006–2012) and an MD in Respiratory Medicine from Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences (2012–2015). She has over 7.5 years of teaching experience in the field of Respiratory Medicine, contributing actively to the academic training of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her areas of expertise include the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, pulmonary function testing, and bronchoscopy. She has been recognized for her dedication and excellence in the medical field with several prestigious awards, including the Vaidya Siromani Award in 2022. She continues to be committed to patient care, medical education, and advancing respiratory health through her clinical and academic contributions. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3474-1999

Dr. V. Veena , Assistant Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Government Medical College, Narsampet, Telangana

is a qualified medical professional with an MBBS degree from SVS Medical College, Mahabubnagar (2004-2010) and an MD in Respiratory Medicine from SVS Medical Sciences, Mahabubnagar (2012–2015). She has over 7.5 years of teaching experience in the field of Respiratory Medicine, contributing actively to the academic training of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her areas of expertise include the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, pulmonary function testing, and bronchoscopy. She has been recognized for her dedication and excellence in the medical field and continues to be committed to patient care, medical education, and advancing respiratory health through her clinical and academic contributions.

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