لخّصلي

BA has always been one of the common health problems linked to adults and children.Other important risk factors for asthma have also been identified as a family history of BA (OR=4.6), allergic rhinitis (OR=3.39), skin eczema (OR=4.6), and recurrent respiratory injuries (OR=4.1) [13].Nevertheless, 61.4% used inhalers, mostly Ventolin, while 76% showed non-compliance with pharmacotherapy.(REF) Mild intermittent BA affects 69.6%.

BA has always been one of the common health problems linked to adults and children. Factors such as family history, places of living, work, and health behavior play essential roles in patient prevalence increases. A Saudi study found that most BA risk factors were allergies (71.5%) and family history (60.9%), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (26.5%), and 5.8% use of aspirin. (REF) Mild intermittent BA affects 69.6%. Nevertheless, 61.4% used inhalers, mostly Ventolin, while 76% showed non-compliance with pharmacotherapy. Patients experience shortness of breath and nocturnal awakenings due to BA. Winter season exacerbates BA symptoms in 56.5%, and only 48.3% have proper control. [5] Another Saudi study in the Najran region found the mean ages of BA cases were 21.3 and 21.7 years for males and females, respectively. Besides, there was no significant association between asthma and education or indoor plants. However, family history, using insecticides/air fresheners, rhinitis, and smoking (active or passive) were significantly associated with BA occurrence. [6] A Saudi study in the Jazan Region showed that the most significant risk factors for BA were positive family history (p-value < 0.001). In addition, the study found that 14.4% of responders were smokers, and 38.6% had a positive family history of BA [7]. Considering gender variation among Saudi children, one study in the Riyadh Region found BA prevalence among girls (14.4%) in comparison to boys (12.4%), P > 0.05%. However, smoking of family members and a family history of BA had an essential association with BA prevalence rate. [8] A Saudi study found that the overall prevalence of current wheeze (during the past 12 months) was 14.2%. Besides, among persons with current wheeze, 38.1% were affected by severe BA symptoms. Although a high percentage of those who had experienced BA ever reported that their BA was diagnosed by doctors (83.3%), only 38.4% had a written plan for controlling their BA. Women were more likely to develop current wheeze. [9] Saudi Children suffered from BA attacks. For example, a Saudi study conducted in the Jazan region revealed that a large percentage of children, 28%, reported chronic BA symptoms such as persistent wheeling, which was due to indoor plants, pets, house smoke, and near industrial areas. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of environmental and lifestyle factors in influencing the spread of BA. It gives valuable indications for local health policies to improve children's health in the region. [10] Another Saudi study investigated children in the Taif region of Saudi Arabia found that BA was more prevalent among Saudi children (14.4%) compared to non-Saudi children (5.9%). In addition, the study showed no significant effect of factors such as the nature of housing, indoor plants, or pet ownership on the spread of BA. [11] Another Saudi study in Rabigh, Western SA, assessed BA prevalence and associated risk factors amid rapid industrialization. Moreover, the study showed that 31.5% of participants had physician-diagnosed BA, 23.5% reported any wheezing, and 14.9% experienced wheezing in the last 12 months. Additionally, the study findings suggest a strong link between the region's industrial growth and the rising rates of BA. [12] A previous Saudi study showed a strong correlation between residence near brick mills and an increased risk of BA, where the risk ratio (Odds ratio [OR]) was 5.1 for people living one kilometer from a brick factory. Other important risk factors for asthma have also been identified as a family history of BA (OR=4.6), allergic rhinitis (OR=3.39), skin eczema (OR=4.6), and recurrent respiratory injuries (OR=4.1) [13]. A study conducted in the Jazan region of SA that investigated school students found that most students (57.9%) were from rural areas. In comparison, 42.1% were urban, and about 91% of the participants were Saudi citizens.