Key factors associated with uncontrolled asthma - the Asthma Control in Latin America Study.

This study aimed to estimate asthma control at specialist treatment centers in four Latin American countries and assess factors influencing poor asthma control. Patients aged ≥12 years with an asthma diagnosis and asthma medication prescription, followed at outpatient specialist centers in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, were included. The study received all applicable ethical approvals.

[Respiratory symptoms associated with asthma prevalence and air pollution in preschool children].

Introduction: Increases in the air pollution levels has well-documented harmful effects on human health, especially exacerbating problems of asthma and other allergies.

Objective: The prevalence of symptoms associated with asthma was determined in preschool populations in zones with differing levels of air pollution.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bucaramanga, Colombia, comparing respiratory symptoms in 768 children under seven years in two urban zones with different pollution levels of particulate matter and ozone.

Prevalence of COPD in five Colombian cities situated at low, medium, and high altitude (PREPOCOL study).

Background: The prevalence of COPD in Colombia is unknown. This study aimed to investigate COPD prevalence in five Colombian cities and measure the association between COPD and altitude.

Methods: A cross-sectional design and a random, multistage, cluster-sampling strategy were used to provide representative samples of adults aged >or= 40 years.