Environmental risk factors for respiratory infections

Arch Environ Health. 2000 Sep-Oct;55(5):300-3. doi: 10.1080/00039890009604021.

Abstract

In this study, the authors investigated the possible relationship between environmental-including dietary-factors and respiratory and ear infections in children. A sample of 304 children, aged 4-5 y, in Geneva, Switzerland, was studied. Mothers filled out a questionnaire that the authors provided. The questionnaire included items on food frequency, infections, and background factors (e.g., education, housing conditions, parents' smoking habits). Allergy was a risk factor for all infections, and mother's age was a protective factor. Humid conditions at home was a significant risk factor for cold, sore throat, and otitis (odds ratios = 2.71, 3.03, and 2.77, respectively); mold in the home was a significant risk factor for otitis (odds ratio = 2.80); and attending day-care centers was a significant risk factor for cold and bronchitis (odds ratios = 1.36 and 1.89, respectively). Dietary factors were not related to disease risk nor were environmental tobacco smoke or housing conditions generally related to an increased risk.

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Odds Ratio
  • Otitis Media / diagnosis
  • Otitis Media / epidemiology*
  • Otitis Media / etiology
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / etiology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Switzerland / epidemiology