Introduction: Asthma is often associated with overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to find associations between asthma control, obesity and different levels of physical activity.
Methods: Using a questionnaire, 117 asthmatic patients between 6-18 years of age were interviewed. Two groups of children, normal vs. overweight, at different levels of physical activity (sport, school-based proper or light activity and full physical exemption) were compared. Asthma control was evaluated in two groups (controlled vs. non or partially controlled).
Results: The asthmatic status was generally controlled in 78%; in 81% and 72% of patients with a normal weight and overweight, respectively. Being overweight was more common among girls than boys (43.2% vs. 30.3%). A positive family history of asthma was revealed in many cases; the prevalence of asthma was found at 63% (P=0.0074) among the parents. Weight was significantly higher when the parents themselves were overweight. A lightened workload in physical education lessons at school doubled the risk of obesity (P=0.25), while full exemption increased it by six times (P=0.06). High bodyweight was found in 37% and 31% of children who had received steroid medication and other treatment, respectively (P=0.57).
Conclusion: High bodyweight and physical inactivity worsened the chances of effective asthma treatment, while sport improved it. The rates of physical activity among the surveyed patients were lower than recommended. More focus is needed; paediatricians, school-teachers and parents should pay more attention to the issue when establishing a proper family background for healthier lifestyles.
