PD13 ‐ Gender differences in rhinitic children

Gender differential effects on rhinitis are infrequently studied. Aim of our study is to assess gender differences in host and environmental characteristics and in rhinitis severity level within the IBIM Pulmonary and Allergy Pediatric Clinic. A series of rhinitic (R) patients (September 2011 - May 2013) were investigated through standardized questionnaire and spirometry. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS. Preliminary results refer to 122 R patients: 77 males (M) (63.1%) and 45 females (F) (36.9%); age (years): 9.23 ± 3.42M vs 9.38 ± 3.02F; maternal history of rhinitis: 45.5%M vs 32.3%F (p<0.090); exposure to maternal smoking during pregnancy:15.6%M vs 2.2%F (p<0.021); exposure …

Second hand smoke (SHS) exposure in asthmatic children is associated with social disadvantage and atopy

PD48 - Relationship between Second Hand Smoke (SHS) exposure and atopy in social disadvantaged asthmatic children

The evidence of a relationship between second hand smoke (SHS) exposure and atopy is inadequate. Smoke habit prevalence is higher in lower parental educational levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SHS and atopy in asthmatic children focusing on socioeconomic status (SES). We studied 170 outpatient asthmatic children with different levels of asthma (GINA guidelines). Medical history was taken in standardized way to determine prevalence of SHS exposure and maternal smoking during pregnancy. Information about the highest level of parental education was collected as a proxy of SES level. All patients underwent skin prick test (SPT) and spirometry according t…