Objective: This study aimed to compare the results of two ISAAC-based cross-sectional surveys conducted in the same geographical region in 2015 and 2023 to evaluate changes in the prevalence of wheezing and asthma-related symptoms among children in the post- earthquake period and to explore potential environmental determinants.

Materials and Methods: This repeated cross-sectional, school-based epidemiological study included children aged 6-7 years. A total of 413 children in the 2015 survey and 431 children in the 2023 survey were analyzed. Data were collected from parents using the Turkish version of the validated ISAAC questionnaire.

Results: The prevalence of lifetime wheeze did not differ between the 2015 and 2023 surveys (20.3% vs. 20.0%; p=0.88). However, wheezing in the past 12 months was significantly more common in 2023 (18.6% vs. 12.3%; OR=1.62; 95% CI: 1.11-2.37; p=0.017). The presence of pets in the household had increased markedly in 2023 (OR=11.63; 95% CI: 5.29-25.60; p<0.001). In addition, physician- diagnosed allergic rhinitis (OR=2.06; 95% CI: 1.07-3.95; p=0.041) and family history of asthma (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.07-2.25; p=0.025) were more frequently reported in 2023.

Conclusion: Recent wheezing symptoms increased significantly in children during the post-earthquake period. Environmental changes following the earthquake, and particularly outdoor air pollution and deterioration of indoor air quality that may be associated with increased pet ownership, may have contributed to this increase. These findings emphasize the importance of protecting children’s respiratory health after major natural disasters.