A Case-Control Study of BMI and Asthma in Asian Immigrant Children

Even though the prevalence of obesity and asthma has increased significantly over recent decades in the United States (US), no published study has looked at the association between obesity and asthma in an Asian-American immigrant child and adolescent population. To evaluate the association between these two factors, whether obesity leads to asthma in this subpopulation, a case-control medical chart review study was completed that looked at 94 patients with asthma and 94 controls. The Body Mass Index (BMI) of children before and after their asthma diagnosis was compared to the BMI of children without asthma. No significant association was found between obesity and asthma in this population. After adjustment for atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and other allergies, the OR for the asthmatic population was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.40, 2.15; P = 0.86). These results differ from other studies that have shown that obesity leads to asthma in certain populations. Consequently, this specific subpopulation may be different than other studied populations. More studies focusing on Asian-Americans and on immigrants are needed; these studies should look at genetic factors, and lifestyle of this population.