Prevalence of asthma at a school‐based health clinic in Nicaragua

Background Worldwide, it is estimated that 235‐334 million people have been diagnosed with asthma. In Nicaragua, the current asthma rate for children 13–14 years of age was 15.2%. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma at this school‐based health clinic in Managua, Nicaragua, associated symptoms or diseases, determine asthma classification, medications, and hospitalization rates. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all pediatric patient's medical records seen in the clinic during a 5‐day period (n = 105). Results A total of 23 patients (21.9%) had asthma documented in the medical chart and were included in the analysis. Of the 23 patients, 3 (13%) patients were classified with intermittent asthma while the rest of the patients (87%) were not classified. Albuterol was prescribed for 19 (86%) of the patients with two patients who had both albuterol and QVAR® prescribed. Six (26%) patients had a family history of asthma. Discussion This study demonstrated the prevalence of asthma in school‐aged children in Nicaragua is significant and higher than previously reported. The lack of a classification of asthma prevents patients from potentially being treated appropriately.