Indoor risk factors for cough and their relation to wheeze and sensitization in Chilean young adults.
OBJECTIVE
We assessed the effects of indoor risk factors, including smoking, on different types of cough and on cough and wheeze in combination.


METHODS
Our sample was composed of 1232 men and women residing in a semirural area of Chile. We used a standardized questionnaire, sensitization to 8 allergens, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine to assess cough and wheeze characteristics. Information was gathered on dampness, mold, ventilation, heating, housing quality, smoking, and environmental tobacco smoke exposure.


RESULTS
Most exposures were associated with cough alone or cough in combination with wheeze. Smoking, past smoking, and environmental tobacco smoke exposure were strongly associated with dry cough and wheeze. The use of coal for heating was associated with dry cough. Leaks, mold, and lack of kitchen ventilation were associated with cough and wheeze. Nocturnal cough and productive cough were associated with specific types of sensitization, but dry cough was not. Productive cough was associated with hyperresponsiveness to methacholine.


CONCLUSIONS
Several different types of indoor exposures, including environmental tobacco smoke exposure, are important contributors to morbidity associated with cough and wheeze. A vigorous preventive strategy designed to lower exposures to indoor risk factors would lower rates of respiratory morbidity.
Respiratory Epidemiology and Public Health, Imperial College London, Emmanuel Kaye Building, Manresa Rd, London SW3 6LR, England. j.potts@imperial.ac.uk
James F
JF
Potts
Roberto J
RJ
Rona
Manuel J
MJ
Oyarzun
Hugo
H
Amigo
Patricia
P
Bustos
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000485:Allergens; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000485:Allergens