Increased Risk of Migraine among Students with Asthma: Results of Headache and Asthma Study among University Students

O. O. Desalu, E. O. Sanya, A. O. Adeoti, O. B. Ojuawo, A. O. Aladesanmi, J. K. Olarinoye, O. J. Afolayan

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Several studies in developed countries have
investigated the relationship between migraine and asthma.

Objective: To examine the relationship between asthma and
migraine among university students in a low middle-income
country

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study across
three universities in the middle belt region of Nigeria. A selfadministered
questionnaire developed from the International
Classification of Headache Disorders was used to screen for
migraine. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey
(ECRHS) survey tool screened for asthma and its related
conditions. Migraine was diagnosed in subjects with recurrent,
moderate to severe unilateral throbbing headaches associated
with nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances. Asthma was
defined as reporting a previous asthma attack or currently taking
asthma medication within the preceding 12 months.

RESULTS: The frequency of asthma was significantly higher
among those with migraine than those without migraine (28.6%
vs. 9.0%). Conversely, migraine was significantly prevalent in
participants with asthma (7.1%vs. 1.9%). On multivariate
analysis, there were significant associations between migraine
and asthma [aOR = 2.56 (95% CI 1.15–5.77)]. Other factors
associated with migraine were female gender [aOR = 2.22 (95%
CI 1.06–4.65)] and family history of recurrent headache in firstdegree
relatives [aOR = 4.03 (95% CI 1.15-5.77)].

CONCLUSION: Our study shows an increased frequency and
risk of migraine in participants diagnosed with asthma and vice
versa. These results support the bidirectional association
between migraine and asthma. Physicians, therefore, should
be aware of the possibility of migraine in patients with asthma
who complain of headaches. WAJM 2022; 39(3): 256–261.

Keywords: Migraine, Headache, Asthma, Allergy, Association,
Relationship.