Analysis of the incidence of asthma among pupils of primary schools in Bielsko-Biala located in areas with various degrees of industrialization

Introduction:
Close proximity to industrial plants is considered a factor in the development of asthma, mainly in children. Approximately 13% of the global incidence of childhood asthma can be attributed to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP). In Bielsko-Biala, industrial plants are located in the Komorowice and Wapienica districts (including machinery, automotive, metallurgical and food industries), which results in pollution of the local natural environment.

Aim:
To analyze the incidence of bronchial asthma among children in selected primary schools in Bielsko-Biala, a city that is diverse in terms of geography and industrialization.

Material and methods:
In February 2024, with the consent of the principals of primary schools (SP 22, SP 26, SP 28, SP 29, SP 32, SP 36) in Bielsko-Biala, data were obtained on the number of students of grades VI–VIII (without sensitive data) who had bronchial asthma diagnosed by a doctor. The school hygienist collects medical information about the health of each student in the health card, which is obtained from parents. Based on the collected data (without sensitive data), a table was prepared illustrating the epidemiology of asthma among children.

Results:
The analyzed primary schools have 927 students in grades VI-VIII, including 157 with asthma. There are 122 students with asthma in Primary School 29 and Primary School 32, which are located in industrial zones.

Conclusions:
The place of residence is important for the occurrence of asthma. Living close to industrial plants contributes to the development of the disease (unlike the outskirts of the city).