Evaluation of diagnostic of respiratory infections in asthmatic children in Karbala city

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic respiratory diseases affecting children worldwide, this study evaluated the current practice and challenges associated with diagnosing respiratory infections in asthmatic children. The study included 100 asthmatic children aged 5-16 years, from whom cough swab and sputum samples were collected for bacterial cultures The data was collected from October 2023 to May 2024, with case information sheets recording each patient’s age and Sex. This study showed the majority (57%) of asthma patients were aged 5-9 years, and most patients (56%) with normal BMI range. 65% had a family history of asthma while exercise impacts 73% were affected by exercise. No significant differences in animal presence in the home.52% were exposed to passive smoke. No significant difference in attack frequency requiring systemic steroids (p=0.4237). 68% had no food allergies and 77% had no comorbidities (p=0.0001). 97% of patients experienced cough (p=0.0001). 65% were not affected by air pollution (p=0.0027). 95% using inhaled corticosteroids for more than 3 years. NSAIDs (79%) had no drug allergies (p=0.0001). Inhaled Corticosteroids (73%) of patients used high doses (p=0.0001) and Montelukast (100%) of patients using this medication. The current study concluded asthma control and its severity were associated with factors such as bacterial colonization, exercise, environmental exposure, and underlying allergies.