J Korean Med Sci. 2002 Aug;17(4):479-482. English.
Published online Apr 23, 2009.
Copyright © 2002 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences
Original Article

High Body Mass Index is Associated with Wheezing Among Older Adults Living in High-Altitude Area in Korea

An Soo Jang, Myung Ho Son, Inseon S Choi and Young Il Koh
    • Department of Internal Medicine, Cheju National University College of Medicine, Cheju, Korea.
    • Department of Preventive Medicine, Seonam University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
    • Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea

Abstract

Although the association between obesity and asthma has been well documented, the nature of this association has yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to examine the association of body mass index (BMI), lipid profiles, and atopy, wheezing, and lung function in older adults living in a rural area in Korea. BMI (kg/m2), lipid profiles, skin prick test, spirometry, and questionnaire including airway symptoms were obtained in a cross-sectional survey in 707 (259 males and 448 females) older adults (aged 50 to 93; mean, 65.7 yr) living in a high-altitude rural area in Korea. The prevalence of self-reported wheezing was 17.1% (121/707). The prevalence of atopy was 13.8%. The mean of BMI was 23.3+/-0.13 (14.6-32.8). The BMI was higher in females than in males (23.8+/-0.16 vs 22.4+/-0.17; p<0.01). The prevalence of wheezing was higher in group with BMI> or = 25 than in group with BMI<25 [57/201 (28.3%) vs 64/505 (12.6%), p<0.01]. The BMI was higher in group with wheezing than in group without wheezing (24.3+/-0.34 vs 23.1+/-0.13, p<0.01). No association between BMI and atopy was found. These findings suggest that BMI associated with wheezing in older adults.

Keywords
Body Mass Index; Respiratory Sounds; Atopy


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