Environmental hazards and demographic and clinical data of childhood interstitial lung diseases in a tertiary institute in Egypt

Abstract

Background The incidence of childhood interstitial lung diseases increased in the last years in Egypt. Changes in environmental and climatic conditions may be contributing factors. Also, raising birds at home increased in the past years due to financial issues. Other environmental factors include increased industries, traffic, and pollution. Our study aimed to assess the environmental hazards and the severity of childhood interstitial lung diseases. Results Sixty-five percent of patients with childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD) were exposed to cigarette smoke; 45% were exposed to birds, 30% to industrial wastes, 20% to grass and pesticides, and 10% to animals. Conclusions Exposure to cigarette smoke and birds increases the risk of development of chILD.

Correlating SFTPC gene variants to interstitial lung disease in Egyptian children

“…Extrapulmonary manifestations such as joint involvement, skin rash, and systemic hypertension were detected in some patients [7]. Family history of similar conditions, and/ or history of environmental exposure to chemicals, dusts, and birds, is an important predisposing factors Abdel Megeid et al Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (2022) 20:117 [8]. Diagnosis is based upon a comprehensive history, a careful physical examination, and review of laboratory data, physiologic studies, radiography, and, in some cases, pathologic tissue obtained from lung biopsy.…”