Influence of indoor respiratory irritants on the course of bronchial asthma

ObjectiveThe aim of the current work is to study the influence of indoor respiratory irritants on the course of bronchial asthma.Subjects & methodsThirty-eight asthmatic patients were included in the study. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, and PEFR. Then they were asked to answer two questionnaires, the first one includes the investigated indoor irritants and the other detects the level of asthma control.ResultsThere were no statistical significant differences between level of use and level of asthma control, either in uncontrolled or partially controlled asthma. The usual users were significantly more uncontrolled in household chlorine and chlorine for laundry. The usual users of phenol were statistically highly significantly more uncontrolled asthmatics. No significant difference was seen between level of asthma control and level of use in fragrance, incense and perfumes.ConclusionChlorine and phenol had significantly higher effect on the asthma control level than other respiratory irritants.