The Effect of Obesity on Asthma: Analysis of Pulmonary Function Using Impulse Oscillometry in School-age Children

Abstract

Objective: Studies investigating the pulmonary function of school- age obese asthmatics are rare. The purpose of this study was to compare lung functions in school-age obese asthmatics and non- obese asthmatics. Methods: Ninety-two children were assigned to groups of obese asthmatics (Group OA, n=43) and non-obese asthmatics (Group A, n=49) baseline impulse oscillometry test was performed to measure pulmonary functions. Results: Baseline percent predicted value of R20 (p=0.025), R5-20 (p=0.040), and Fres (p=0.018) were significantly increased in obese asthmatics than non-obese asthmatics. AX was also higher in obese asthmatics compared to non-obese asthmatics, however, the intergroup difference was insignificant (p=0.787). Percent predicted value of R5 (p=0.007) and R10 (p=0.017) were higher in atopic than non-atopic obese asthmatics. Percent predicted value of R5 was higher in exercise-intolerant than exercise-tolerant non-obese asthmatics (p=0.045). Additionally, R10 was higher in non-obese asthmatics who were exposed to household mold when compared with those without exposure to household mold (p=0.045). The z scores of BMI or weight were not correlated with any one of the IOS parameters (p>0.05). Conclusion: Main bronchial and peripheral airway resistance was higher in school-age obese asthmatics compared to non-obese asthmatics. Peripheral airway resistance was higher in atopic obese asthmatics as well as well as asthmatic children with exercise intolerance and household mould exposure.