Comparison of Lung Functions Among Asthmatic Children in Malaysia

Abstract

A comparative study was conducted on 163 asthmatic children from Kuala Lumpur (polluted area) and 38 asthmatic children from Terengganu (less polluted area). The objective of this study was to compare the lung functions of the asthmatic children between the 2 sexes and study areas. Questionnaires and diary cards were used to obtain background information and frequency of asthma attacks. A spirometer was used to measure lung functions of the asthmatic children. Findings showed that there was a significant difference in the FEV,% predicted (p=0.002), FEV/FVC % predicted (p =0.001) and the %FEV/FVC (p=0.002) between male children in the two areas. However, only the FEV,% predicted (p=O.Oll) was significantly different between the female children in the two areas. Significant correlation was also found between the frequency of asthma attacks with FEV)% predicted (p=0.008), FEV/FVC % predicted (p=O.OOI) and % FEV/FVC (p=O.OOI) among the asthmatic children Kuala Lumpur but no significant correlation was found among the asthmatic children in Terengganu.