Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2007 Mar;27(1):20-25.

Body Mass Index in Relation to Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Koreans

Abstract

BACKGROUND: For the past two decades there has been a significant increase in the worldwide prevalence of both asthma and obesity. Previous cross sectional studies have shown an association between obesity and asthma. However, there is still controversy about the relationship between asthma and obesity.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and asthma factors such as atopy, eosinophilia, serum total IgE, pulmonary functions and bronchial hyper- responsiveness (BHR) in Koreans. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was performed on 332 subjects who visited the outpatient clinic of the Asthma and Allergy Division. The relationship between BMI and PC20-methacholine, pulmonary functions, IgE, blood eosinophil count and atopy were statistically analyzed. RESULT: In all subjects (n=332), BMI was not significantly related to BHR (P=0.992), Log eosinophil (r=0.018; P= 0.051), and atopy (P=0.503). In patients with BHR (n=173), BMI was significantly related to the FEV1/ FVC ratio (r= -1.72, P=0.024). In patients without BHR (n=159), BMI was significantly related to Log IgE (r=0.259; P=0.001), Log Eosinophil (r=0.156; P=0.051), and the FEV1/FVC ratio (r=-0.213; P=0.007).
CONCLUSION
There is no correlation between BMI and BHR irrespective of gender.

MeSH Terms

Ambulatory Care Facilities
Asthma
Body Mass Index*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Eosinophilia
Eosinophils
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Immunoglobulin E
Obesity
Prevalence
Immunoglobulin E