Prevalence of asthma among Emirates school children

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma among United Arab Emirates school children aged 6–14 years. A cross-sectional study of 850 school children living in both urban and as that seen in the children. Prevalence rate of asthma rural areas (average age 9.36±2.11 years, 46.8% boys and 53.2% girls) was conducted using self-administered questionnaires between October 1992 and May 1993. The population sample had a high prevalence rate of diagnosed asthma (13.6%), breathlessness or tightness in chest (9.7%), allergic rhinitis (22.9%), and nocturnal cough (8.9%). Allergic rhinitis was the most frequently seen respiratory symptoms. The frequency of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among parents reflected the same pattern was not significantly higher in fathers (5.9%) than in mothers (5.3%). The differences between the sexes were not significant in any of the age group studied for any of the allergic conditions, except for diagnosed asthma in which the prevalence rate in males was significantly higher than that in females. On the whole, the prevalence rate of all the conditions increased with age. But the frequency of allergic rhinitis symptoms was significantly higher in mothers (16%) than in fathers (10.8%). These results are consistent with those obtained in neighbouring gulf countries and are higher than those of some developed countries, but the differences are not statistically significant.     

Asthma and associated factors in students 13 and 14 years of age in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of asthma and associated factors among students 13 and 14 years of age in S?o Luís, Maranh?o State, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the questionnaire developed by ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) and an additional questionnaire from July 2008 to May 2009, including 3,069 adolescents. Asthma prevalence (wheezing in the previous 12 months) was 12.7%, lifetime prevalence was 32.4%, 3.9% reported difficulty speaking due to wheezing, and 9.8% reported wheezing after exercise. In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with increased asthma prevalence were family history of asthma, respiratory infection and wheezing in early life, eczema, allergic rhinitis, and passive smoking. Asthma prevalence was lower than for Brazil as a whole. Factors most strongly associated with asthma prevalence in these adolescents were family history of asthma (PR = 3.86), wheezing in early childhood (PR = 4.58), and allergic rhinitis (PR = 3.21).     

Atopic diseases and related risk factors among Dutch adolescents

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to gain insight into the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema among Dutch early adolescents, and to study the impact of several social demographic and individual risk factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey study using the self-report questionnaires of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). In January 2003, 10 087 12- to 14-year-old students from 33 secondary schools in four regions of the Netherlands participated in this study. RESULTS: Of all participants, 52.6% reported that they had an allergic disease at least once in their lifetime. The 12 months prevalence of wheezing, rhinitis, and itchy rash was 12.3%, 28.3%, and 13.5%, respectively. Several social demographic and individual factors (gender, age, education levels, ethnicity, body mass index, and residential area) were significantly associated with the atopic symptoms and diseases. CONCLUSION: This study showed that allergic conditions are common in the Netherlands. Several social demographic and individual risk factors were related to the atopic diseases and symptoms.     

Prevalence of childhood asthma in Baranya County, Hungary, between 2003 and 2006

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children has constantly and significantly increased worldwide in the past decades. Recent publications, however, reported a moderate decrease or levelling off in this parameter. The authors estimated the prevalence of bronchial asthma and asthmatic complaints among schoolchildren in Baranya county in the years 2003 and 2006 in order to register the possible changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both surveys were carried out by means of identical questionnaires which were consistent with the ISAAC Phase III. protocol. The data were collected in 16 primary schools (6 in a city, 10 in small settlements and villages) in February 2006. Finally 2404 questionnaires (1124 boys, 1280 girls) in two age groups, among 6-7 and 13-14-year-old children were processed and compared to the data derived from the survey done in 2003. RESULTS: The prevalence of the "wheezing-ever" and "physician diagnosed asthma" did not change during the observation period (2006: 20.2% and 6.7%; 2003: 19.8% and 8.2%) but there was a significant increase in the frequency of "wheezing in the last 12 months" (2006: 9.6%; 2003: 6.8%). As expected, significantly higher prevalence rates were detected among boys and in the 6-7-year-old age group than among girls and in the 13-14-year-old age group in both surveys. There was no significant difference in the two surveys in the prevalence of bronchial asthma and asthmatic signs between children from a city and from small settlements. CONCLUSION: During the observation period of three years there was a significant increase "wheezing in the last 12 months", but the prevalence of "wheezing-ever" as well as the "physician-diagnosed asthma" remained unchanged.     

Prevalence of asthma and wheeze in relation to passive smoking in Japanese children

PURPOSE: Evidence remains inconclusive as to whether environmental tobacco smoke is a risk factor for allergic disorders in childhood. The present large-scale cross-sectional study examined the relationship between passive smoking at home and the prevalence of allergic disorders in Japanese schoolchildren. METHODS: Study subjects were 23,044 children aged 6 to 15 years in Okinawa. Outcomes were based on diagnostic criteria from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Adjustment was made for sex, age, region of residence, number of siblings, paternal and maternal history of asthma, atopic eczema, or allergic rhinitis, as well as paternal and maternal educational level. RESULTS: The prevalence of wheeze, asthma, atopic eczema, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in the previous 12 months was 10.7%, 7.6%, 6.8%, and 7.7%, respectively. Current heavy passive smoking and 7.0 or more pack-years of smoking in the household were independently related to an increased prevalence of wheeze and asthma, especially in children 6 to 10 years of age and children with a positive parental allergic history. There was no dose-response relationship between pack-years of smoking in the household and atopic eczema or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that environmental tobacco smoke might be associated with an increased prevalence of wheeze and asthma in Japanese children.     

Prevalence of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis in Istanbul school children

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and their related symptoms in Istanbul and to investigate the effect of socioeconomic status on the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis and whether there are differences between the prevalence of childhood asthma in the same and different regions as found in previous studies and our own. The study period was the 1996–1997 school year in three primary schools in Istanbul. For proportional representation of high, middle, and low socioeconomic levels, the schools were selected from three different regions of Istanbul. A translated version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used. The questionnaire was distributed to the parents of 2600 students aged 6–15 years. All of the 2276 children whose parents responded were included in the survey. The overall cumulative and current prevalences of wheezing were 13.7 and 7.2% respectively and the overall cumulative prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 17.6%. There was no statistically significant difference between asthmatics and non-asthmatics by sex, socioeconomic status and passive smoking. Family history of atopy was found to be significantly higher in asthmatics. Although there are differences in the results of studies concerning the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis not only between different countries but also between different regions of the same city, by using a standardized international method, the actual values may be obtained.     

苏州市0~14岁儿童哮喘患病率及防治现状的调查

【目的】 了解苏州市儿童哮喘患病率、起病年龄、发病诱因及防治现状,为进一步制定儿童哮喘防治措施提供科学依据。 【方法】 采用整群抽样调查,分两步:第一步问卷筛查得到疑似哮喘儿童资料,第二步对疑似病例进行临床确诊,同时了解其发病诱因及防治情况。 【结果】 收回初筛问卷10 805份,筛出喘息相关儿童622例,经临床确诊哮喘540例,咳嗽变异性哮喘5例,可疑哮喘77例。哮喘累计患病率为5%,男女患病率分别为6.22%、3.51%。过敏性鼻炎1 130例,患病率为10.46%,男女患病率分别为12.37%、8.13%。湿疹884例,患病率为8.18%,男女患病率分别为8.85%、7.35%。哮喘在3岁以内起病占77.17%。98.23%哮喘儿童反复应用过抗生素,59.97%在急性发作期接受吸入治疗,但在缓解期进行维持治疗的仅为8.89%。 【结论】 2010年苏州市0~14岁儿童哮喘累计患病率为5%,较10年前有增加,男性高于女性。儿童哮喘起病年龄大多数在3岁以内,发病高峰在春秋换季时,上呼吸道感染为最常见诱发因素。大多数哮喘患儿治疗不规范,正确、合理、规范治疗儿童哮喘的新知识、新药物要宣传、普及。     

Ambient formaldehyde levels and allergic disorders among Japanese pregnant women: baseline data from the Osaka maternal and child health study

PURPOSE: The effects of formaldehyde (FA) exposure on allergic disorders are not clearly understood. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between FA exposure and the prevalence of allergic disorders in Japan. METHODS: Subjects were 998 pregnant women. Participants were considered to have asthma, atopic eczema, or allergic rhinitis (including cedar pollinosis) if they had received any medical treatment for any of these allergic disorders during the previous 12 months. Passive air sampling tubes were worn for 24 hours and analyzed for FA. RESULTS: When FA levels were categorized into four groups, there was a tendency for a positive exposure-response relationship between FA levels and the prevalence of atopic eczema, although the adjusted odds ratio for highest vs. lowest FA categories did not reach statistical significance. When FA levels were categorized into two groups to assess the effects of exposure to high levels of FA on allergic disorders, FA levels of 47 ppb or more were independently associated with an increased prevalence of atopic eczema (adjusted odds ratio = 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-5.01). The positive association was more pronounced in women with a negative familial allergic history than in those with a positive familial allergic history. No clear association was found between FA levels and the prevalence of asthma or allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: FA exposure may be associated with an increased prevalence of atopic eczema in Japanese pregnant women.     

Antibiotic sales and the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)

BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesized that antibiotic use early in life may increase the subsequent risk of asthma. We have conducted an ecologic analysis of the relationship between antibiotics sales and the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema in 99 centres from 28 countries. METHODS: Data for antibiotics sales for 28 countries were obtained from the Institute for Medical Statistics (IMS), Health Global Services, UK and converted to defined daily doses (DDD). Data on the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema in 13-14 year olds were based on the responses to the written and video questionnaires from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The analysis was adjusted for gross national product (GNP) as an estimate of the level of affluence. RESULTS: In general, there was a positive association between per capita antibiotics sales and the prevalence of symptoms for asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, but the associations generally became negative once the analyses had been adjusted for GNP. In particular, there were non-significant negative associations between total antibiotics sales and the prevalence of wheeze ever, wheeze in the last 12 months, nose problems with itchy-watery eyes, itchy rash in the last 12 months, and eczema ever. On the other hand there were weak non-significant positive associations for asthma ever, nose problems ever, nose problems in the last 12 months, and itchy rash ever. There was a statistically significant positive association with wheeze at rest as measured by the asthma video questionnaire; however, even this association was weak and would not account for more than a 1% difference in asthma prevalence between countries. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are generally not consistent with the hypothesis that antibiotic use increases the risk of asthma, rhinitis, or eczema. If there is a causal association of antibiotic use with asthma risk, it does not appear to explain the international differences in asthma prevalence.     

沈阳市某区儿童湿疹发生情况及影响因素分析

了解儿童湿疹发生情况及影响因素,为有针对性地采取防治措施提供参考依据.方法 2017年5月随机选取沈阳市某区2所小学,对全部学生2 240名进行问卷调查(其中判定儿童是否患过湿疹需要经过医生诊断).结果 既往发生过湿疹的有838人,报告率为37.4%,其中男童为38.7%,女童为36.1%.6~<12月龄是儿童首发湿疹的高峰时期,1岁内发生湿疹的比例达70.1%.以往发生过湿疹的儿童现阶段经常发生感冒的频率明显增高,并且过敏性鼻炎、哮喘、食物过敏的报告率也明显升高.Logistic回归分析显示,母孕期心情不好(OR=1.32,95%CI=1.03~1.69)、父母文化程度越高(OR=1.60,95%CI=1.19~2.16)、父母亲为过敏体质(父亲OR=1.58,95%CI=1.07~2.33;母亲OR=1.41,95%CI=1.02~1.94)、有糖尿病家族史(OR=1.95,95%CI=1.41~2.68)、剖腹产(OR=1.33,95%CI=1.07~1.65)与儿童湿疹发生呈正相关.结论 儿童湿疹发生受母孕期心情和家庭因素、分娩方式的影响,发育早期预防儿童湿疹发生对将来降低其他过敏性疾病发生具有重要现实意义.     

Asthma and allergies in childhood in Rome: Italian contribution to the ISAAC II

A study about the frequency of respiratory and allergic disorders in childhood was carried out in Rome, during the 2000-2001 school year. This survey represents the Italian contribution to the second phase of the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC Phase Two). A properly filled in ISAAC Phase II questionnaire was returned by parents of 1,760 children attending the fifth grade in primary school (83.5% of the target). Prick tests were performed to provide an objective measure of atopy, defined as skin reactivity to one or more allergens. The presence of visible flexural dermatitis was determined through skin examination. Lifetime prevalence for asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema was 12.4%, 13.2% and 15.1%, respectively. Period prevalence in the last 12 months was 7.0% for attacks of wheezing or whistling in the chest, 9.1% for rhinitis symptoms, and 9.5% for dermatitis symptoms. A total of 1.6% of the children under examination had a visible flexural dermatitis. Of the children who performed prick test, 31.8% was skin positive at least to one of the adopted allergens. An international comparison with the results of other ISAAC Phase Two studies (conducted in Albania, Germany, Hong Kong, UK and Sweden) has shown that Rome and Hong Kong were the areas with the highest prevalence rate for atopy, but had comparatively low proportions of asthmatic subjects. This inconsistency suggests that factors other than atopy could be responsible for the geographic epidemiological distribution of asthma.     

宜昌地区0～6岁儿童支气管哮喘相关危险因素分析

目的 分析0～6岁儿童支气管哮喘的相关危险因素,为临床及家庭预防哮喘的急性发作提出对策。方法 选取宜昌市中心人民医院门诊就诊的0～6岁儿童哮喘病人110 例(观察组) 和同期来院的无喘息发作史的0～6岁儿童110 例(对照组) 进行研究分析。结果 单因素分析显示,影响0~6岁儿童哮喘的变量包括性别、食物过敏史、吸入性过敏史、呼吸道感染、家族过敏史、湿疹史、过敏性鼻炎史和被动吸烟(P＜0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果发现食物过敏史、呼吸道感染、家族过敏史、湿疹史、过敏性鼻炎史、被动吸烟是0～6岁儿童哮喘发作的危险因素(P＜0.05)。结论 食物过敏史、呼吸道感染、家族过敏史、湿疹史、过敏性鼻炎史、被动吸烟均是0～6岁儿童哮喘急性发作的危险因素,患儿家属及临床工作者重视这些危险因素,同时采取相应的有效措施干预,对于哮喘急性发作的预防具有重要意义。     

临朐县0~14岁儿童哮喘流行病学调查分析

目的 研究临朐县0~14岁儿童哮喘的危险因素以及患病率,为本病的治疗及预防提供有力依据。方法 利用整群随机抽样的方法,在临朐县幼儿园、学校、防疫站抽取10 000名0~14岁儿童进行哮喘流行病学调查。结果 总共调查0~14岁儿童10 000人,收到9 765份有效问卷,有效率为97.65%。哮喘儿童152例,患病率为1.56%;患病率最高的是学龄前期的儿童,男童患病率高于女童,男女比例为1.50∶1,差异有统计学意义(χ²=5.648,P<0.05)。家族过敏或哮喘史、过敏性鼻炎史、皮肤过敏史、食物过敏史、个人药物过敏史、早产、超体重、使用抗生素可能为哮喘发病的危险因素。结论 2012年临朐县0~14岁儿童哮喘患病率较10年前全国哮喘患病率有所升高,儿童哮喘患病率最高的年龄段是学龄前期。儿童哮喘的发病与多种因素相关。     

儿童注意缺陷多动障碍与哮喘及过敏性疾病关系的病例对照研究

目的 探讨儿童注意缺陷多动障碍与哮喘及过敏性疾病的关系, 为寻找注意缺陷多动障碍病因提供依据。方法 采用1∶1匹配病例对照研究, 对278例注意缺陷多动障碍儿童和278例正常儿童进行哮喘及过敏性疾病的调查。对相关的危险因素采用单因素χ²检验, 多因素条件Logistic回归分析。结果 病例组儿童哮喘、湿疹患病率与对照组差异无统计学意义(2.9%与1.1%和4.3%与1.8%, P>0.05);病例组有持续6个月发痒/疹子、曾经诊断鼻炎、近一年有哮喘症状的、及经常有流涕、眼痒、鼻塞等过敏现象的发生率显著性高于对照组(P<0.05)。条件Logistic回归分析, 过敏性鼻炎(P=0.029, OR=2.021, 95%CI:1.074~3.803)及经常有流涕、眼痒、鼻塞(P=0.012, OR=1.863, 95%CI:1.147~3.024)是ADHD的危险因素。结论 儿童注意缺陷多动障碍与过敏性鼻炎及经常有流涕、眼痒、鼻塞的发生存在相关性, 而与哮喘及湿疹发生的关系需进一步研究确定。     

Ecological association of water hardness with prevalence of childhood atopic dermatitis in a Japanese urban area

The prevalence of symptoms of atopic eczema among Japanese children aged 6-7 years is the second highest in 56 countries. Reasons for such a high prevalence are unknown. This ecological study examined whether the positive association of water hardness with atopic dermatitis among British primary-school children also exists in Japan. Study subjects were 458,284 of 489,725 children, aged 6-12 years, in 1,016 public elementary schools in Osaka Prefecture with 44 municipalities. The study used data on water hardness and chlorine content of the water supply; prevalence of atopic dermatitis diagnosed by physicians and episodes of wheezing reported by the parents; and potential confounding factors by socioeconomic and health care status per municipality. The prevalence of atopic eczema was significantly higher in the highest water hardness category than that in the lowest (24.4% [n=2,288/9,362] and 22.9% [n=77,408/33,8267], respectively; adjusted odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.18; P<0.0001 for trend). A significant and slightly J-shaped relationship between chlorine content of the water supply and prevalence of atopic dermatitis was observed after adjustment for confounding factors. There were no apparent associations of water hardness and chlorine content of the water supply with prevalence of wheeze. Water hardness may increase the risk of atopic dermatitis among elementary-school children in Japan, as well as in the United Kingdom.     

Self-reported prevalence of childhood allergic diseases in three cities of China: a multicenter study

Background  

Several studies conducted during the 1990s indicated that childhood allergic diseases were increasing worldwide, but more recent investigations in some Western countries have suggested that the trend is stabilizing or may even be reversing. However, few data are available on the current status of allergic disease prevalence in Chinese children. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence rates of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema in children of three major cities of China, to determine the status of allergic diseases among Chinese children generally, and to evaluate the prevalence of allergic diseases in children of different ages.     

Epidemiology of eczema among Lebanese adolescents

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to determine the prevalence of eczema among Lebanese adolescents and identify demographic, nutritional and environmental characteristics associated with eczema. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted on a convenient sample of 3 153 students (13-14 years) selected from five different provinces in Lebanon. Significant unadjusted demographic, nutritional and environmental variables were considered in a stepwise regression model. RESULTS: Ever having an itchy rash that lasted for a period more than six months was reported by 788 (25.0%) adolescents, while 404 (12.8%) reported ever having eczema. Females and passive smokers were at 1.5 increased risk of having eczema than their counterparts. Exercising regularly, living near a busy area, and frequent eating of eggs were positively associated with eczema. Finally, adolescents who suffered from allergic diseases, asthma (Odds ratio (OR): 1.64, 95% CI: 1.16-2.32), rhinitis (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.07-1.70) and hay fever (OR: 2.77; 95% CI: 2.12-3.62) also reported having had eczema. CONCLUSION: Environmental factors were found to play an important role in the prevalence of eczema among adolescents.     

Frequency of and risk factors for allergy in primary school children: results of a population survey

During May 1986, a survey to assess the frequency of allergic disorders was conducted among primary school children of Alghero, Sardinia, using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The following problems were investigated: allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, wheezing, allergic rhinitis, urticaria and eczema. Of the original 1823 questionnaires distributed, 1961 (92.8%) were completed by parents and returned. Overall, 238 children (14.1%) were reported to have shown at least one episode of one or more of the above and were regarded as 'allergic'. Among the potential risk factors investigated, statistically significant differences (P less than 0.05) between allergic and non-allergic children were only found for history of allergy in at least one parent (odds ratio, OR = 2.2) and exposure to passive smoking (OR = 1.4).     

Parents and school children reported symptoms and treatment of allergic disease differently

ObjectiveTo examine the difference between children and their parents in reporting symptoms and treatment of allergic diseases within a longitudinal birth cohort.Study Design and SettingInformation on symptoms and treatment of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema was obtained by questionnaire from 2,744 children (mean age: 12 years) and their parents. Differences between the responses were computed, and agreement assessed both absolutely and with kappa coefficient.ResultsOn 12 of the 15 questions, children's and parents' reports differed significantly. Asthma-related issues appeared significantly more prevalent in the children's reports, although kappa values were fair to very good. For symptoms of allergic rhinitis, the prevalence pattern varied, and kappa values were moderate to good. Parents reported a higher prevalence of eczema-related issues, but the children reported a significantly higher prevalence of eczema itself. Kappa values ranged from moderate to good.ConclusionAlthough reports of allergic symptoms and treatment by 12-year-old children and their parents were in moderate-to-good agreement, children reported more symptoms than their parents. Symptoms of allergic disease should be reported by children themselves, from the age of 11 years, whereas questions of prescribed pharmacological treatment could be answered either by the children or their parents.     

Childhood asthma in the Highlands of Scotland--morbidity and school absence

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of childhood asthma in Scotland is one of the highest in the world. The morbidity secondary to allergic diseases is significant in terms of costs to the nation and effects on the family including the child. AIMS: The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of asthma, eczema and hay fever in the Highlands of Scotland and in the Shetland Isles and to examine factors in relation to quality of life and social deprivation. METHOD: A total population survey of 12 year old children using a parent completed questionnaire. RESULTS: 86.3% (2658/3080) returned questionnaires. Of the 2549 questionnaires analysed, 476 (18.7%) reported asthma ever, 362 (14.2%) wheeze in last 12 months, 508 (19.9%) reported hay fever ever and 555 (21.8%) reported eczema ever. Of the children reporting asthma or wheeze, 35.4% (229/647) had missed school because of asthma or wheeze, 38.0% (246/647) had missed physical education. 62.5% (354/566) of subjects with wheeze ever reported sleep disturbance. Deprivation measured by DEPCAT scores was associated with maternal smoking and bronchitis in the child but not with allergic diseases. CONCLUSION: Compared with previous studies, the prevalence of asthma was unchanged but eczema has increased in Highland adolescents. Allergic disease has a significant impact on school attendance and physical activity. Deprivation was associated with maternal smoking and bronchitis in the child but not with allergic diseases. The impact of allergic diseases in rural areas may be different from urban areas.