Factors Associated with Asthmatic Exacerbations in Pediatric Population at a Healthcare Institution in Medellín: an Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction. Asthma is a heterogeneous respiratory disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation, frequently leading to pediatric consultations. It represents an important public health concern due to its impact on patients' quality of life. Objective. To determine the factors associated with asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years treated at a healthcare institution in Medellín during 2024. Methodology. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted including 109 children aged 6 to 11 with a medical diagnosis of asthma who sought care in 2024. Associations between variables were determined using the chi-square test, and risk estimation was calculated using odds ratios (ORs). Multivariate adjustment was performed using binomial logistic regression. Results. Nineteen percent of patients experienced at least one exacerbation in 2024, with mild exacerbations being most frequent. Males showed a higher proportion of exacerbations. Respiratory infections in the last year and treatment adherence were significantly associated with asthma exacerbations. In the multivariate model, previous respiratory infections remained significantly associated with exacerbations (OR = 13.97; 95% CI: 3.99-48.89; p<0.001). However, the wide confidence interval indicates limited precision of the estimate, and therefore this result should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions. Previous respiratory infections constitute an important risk factor for asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients aged 6 to 11. Although treatment adherence did not maintain a significant association in multivariate model, its clinical relevance has been widely documented in the literature.