EVALUATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PET EXPOSURE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ASTHMA/ALLERGIC DISEASES IN CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: The study aims to elucidate the relationship between pet exposure from the intrauterine period until the age of 9, and the diagnosis of asthma and allergic diseases, and to evaluate the effect of cat, dog, and bird exposure on patients. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in a cross-sectional, prospective design by administering a survey via social media between 1 June 2020 and 31 August 2020, in patients between 1 month and 18 years old. Patients were reached through social media. After obtaining informed consent, a survey about pet ownership prepared by the researcher was questioned. Those with chronic diseases other than asthma and allergic rhinitis (epilepsy, congenital heart disease, neuromuscular diseases, suppurative lung diseases, etc.) were excluded from the study. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was performed. Results: A total of 234 children were included with 27.40% (n=64) of children diagnosed with asthma or asthmatic bronchitis or allergic bronchitis. Further 34.20% (n=80) of children diagnosed as flu or hay fever or allergic rhinitis (AR) . Children having at least one pet in their home at any point of their life were 79.90% (n=187) of children. Patients having pets, and cats tended to have more asthma diagnosis. Patients having dog and birds tended to have fewer asthma diagnosis. Patient having birds also tended to have fewer AR diagnosis. Patients having dog, and birds, were observed to have a more increased risk for asthma, and AR diagnosis, if their parents were smoking. Patients having cats were observed to have a more increased risk for AR diagnosis, if their parents have allergic diseases. Conclusion: As a result of our study, the risk of developing asthma and AR varies depending on the exposure of different animal groups at different stages of life.