Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2005 Sep;25(3):217-222.

Effects of Obesity and Smoking on Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Korean Adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is a key feature of asthma and may precede the development of asthma. There were few reports concerning prevalence and risk factors of BHR in Korean adults using objective parameters such as methacholine bronchial provocation test.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of obesity and smoking on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in Korean adults. METHOD: The 2,079 subjects (aged from 20 to 86) were enrolled in this survey from October 2004 through June 2005. A questionnaire was used to collect general information and the methacholine bronchial provocation test was performed to evaluate BHR. RESULT: The prevalence of BHR in Korean adults was 10.5%. BHR was significantly higher in obese persons (35.7% vs 9.3%, P<0.01) and smokers (29.4% vs 9.4%, P<0.01). Obesity (OR=1.35, P=0.041), current smoking (OR=2.89, P= 0.000), old age (over 60 years old OR=1.37, P=0.041), and female (OR=1.62, P=0.035) and were risk factors for developing BHR. CONCLUSION: Obesity and smoking were a risk factors for developing BHR. Early intervention for obesity and quit smoking are needed to prevent developing BHR.

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Asthma
Bronchial Provocation Tests
Early Intervention (Education)
Female
Humans
Methacholine Chloride
Middle Aged
Obesity*
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Smoke*
Smoking*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Methacholine Chloride
Smoke