CLINICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN THE ABAY REGION

Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is one of the most widespread chronic respiratory conditions in children and adolescents. Its development and progression are strongly influenced by environmental exposures and immunological responses. This study aimed to assess the clinical features and immunological profiles of asthma in pediatric patients in the Abay region of Kazakhstan, focusing on symptom patterns, biomarker levels, and allergic history. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out based on the medical records of 71 children aged 1 to 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma. The evaluation included clinical symptom assessment and spirometry. Statistical analyses were conducted using descriptive methods, T-tests, and chi-square tests. Results: The most frequently reported symptoms were cough (76.1%) and dyspnea (59.2%). Nearly one-third of participants lived in damp housing conditions, which showed a statistically significant association with respiratory complaints (p < 0.05). Moderate asthma was observed in 80.3% of cases, and 19.7% were classified as mild. Among those tested, elevated levels of ECP and IgE were more common in moderate cases and among those exposed to allergens. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with asthma in the Abay region are often exposed to environmental triggers such as humidity and seasonal allergens. These factors appear to influence both the severity of clinical symptoms and the levels of immunological markers. The findings highlight the importance of early identification of environmental risks and support the use of ECP and IgE levels in guiding personalized asthma management strategies.