Food sensitization and factors associated with uncontrolled asthma in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of food allergy sensitization and the factors associated with uncontrolled asthma in patients from the Yaqui Valley. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study in a second-level hospital in Ciudad Obregon, Mexico. Asthma control was classified according to the Global Initiative for Asthma, the nutritional status with body mass index, food sensitization with skin prick tests, and the rest of variables through direct questioning or medical records. The frequencies of sensitization and the factors associated with uncontrolled asthma were determined through descriptive and inferential statistics; a value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 230 patients were included. The frequency of sensitization to at least one food allergen was of 79%. The most frequent sensitizing allergens were eggs, corn, beans, shrimp, and cow's milk. Conclusions: Our study describes the pattern of food sensitization in patients with asthma and the factors associated with the uncontrolled disease. It is the first investigation of its kind that has been carried out in this region of Mexico.