Table 1 Baseline characteristics (N = 223)

Demographic factors

   Patient age at baseline

2-3 y

4-5 y

6-7 y

8-9 y

10-12 y

   Patient sex

Boys

Girls

Clinical background

   Patient age at diagnosis

0-<2 y

2-<4 y

4-<6 y

6-<8 y

8+ y

   Duration

1-<2 y

2-<4 y

4-<6 y

6-<8 y

8+ y

   The JPGL 2000 severity classification:

Remission

Mild disease

Moderate disease

Severe disease

   Medications:

Corticosteroids regular use

β2-stimulants regular use

Theophylline regular use

DSCG inhalation regular use

Oral anti-allergics regular use

Comorbid allergic conditions:

Atopic dermatitis

Allergic rhinitis

Other allergic conditions

   Parent history of bronchial asthma

   No. of factors reported to cause deterioration

   Serum Ig E (IU/ml)

   Mother's age (y)

   Mother's education (y)

   Mother's job:

Full-time worker

Part-time worker

Housewife

Others

   Number of adult cohabiters:

1 (mother only)

2 (mother plus 1)

3+ (mother plus 2+)

Living with smokers