Allergic Diseases In School Children Research Articles

Micronutrients and the Risk of Allergic Diseases in School Children.

Microelements and vitamins are believed to have immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the study was to establish the role of antioxidants (vitamins A, E, D) and microelements such as copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) levels in allergic diseases in schoolchildren. The study uses a cohort of 80 children (40 with and 40 without allergy/asthma diagnosis) aged 9 to 12 years recruited for the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study. At nine to twelve years old, the children were tested for microelement and vitamin content and health status (including skin-prick test and spirometry, urine cotinine level). Demographic data were collected from mothers by an allergist. The risk of asthma occurrence was found to be significantly related to the levels of Cu and Zn. The level of Cu was also particularly closely associated with allergic rhinitis and was indicated as a significant predictor of food allergy. The levels of Cu and Zn, and poor nutritional status in general, can influence the immune system and may be considered risk factors for developing asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergy.

The prevalence and associated factors of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema in Turkish children and adolescents

We aim to determine the prevalence and related risk factors of asthma and allergic diseases in school children and adolescent in Konya, Turkey, and to compare this prevalence with that of 11 years ago. This descriptive correlational study also includes the third phase of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood protocol. A total of 2220 students aged between 6 and 18 took part in this study. In our study, prevalence of wheezing of 21.8%, eczema of 4.3%, and allergic rhinitis of 43.2% were found in students until this age. In the study, student smoking, school location, history of asthma in the family, mold or moisture at home, and mother's smoking now were related factors for wheezing, while eating habits, breastfeeding, and student's gender were determined as related factors for allergic rhinitis symptoms in the past 12 months. In addition, having a pet, eating habits, and school level were determined as related factors for eczema symptoms in the past 12 months (p < 0.05). As a result of comparison of the findings of this study with the results of the study conducted by Güner et al., it was determined that the rates of wheezing and allergic rhinitis had increased, whereas the rate of eczema had decreased (p < 0.05). It was determined that under the effect of urbanization in Konya, the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in students had increased, while the prevalence of eczema had decreased.

Prevalence and associated factors of allergic diseases in school children and adolescents aged 6-7 and 13-14 years from two rural areas in Colombia.

The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing worldwide, affecting about 30% of the population in low to middle-income countries. Research trends on allergic diseases within rural pediatric populations of Latin American countries is scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis) and their associated factors using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood-III (ISAAC-III) questionnaire in school-aged children from two rural municipalities in Colombia. This is a cross-sectional study. The ISAAC-III questionnaire was applied to school-aged children attending elementary schools in the municipalities of Soracá and Palmas del Socorro during 2018. The questionnaires were applied to adolescents aged 13-14 years and the parents of 6-7 years old children. Associations were estimated via bivariate and multivariate analysis. Among 261 school-aged children (58.2% adolescents), the prevalence of allergic diseases was: allergic rhinitis 11.49% (95% CI: 8.05-15.78), asthma 8.81% (95% CI: 5.82-12.7), and atopic dermatitis 6.13% (95% CI: 3.69-9.53). Associated factors for allergic rhinitis included: female sex (PR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.17-5.26), asthma (PR: 4.69, 95% CI: 1.96-8.31), atopic dermatitis (PR: 3.55, 95% CI: 1.09-7.83), and higher maternal education (PR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.45-8.25). The prevalence of allergic diseases in this rural pediatric population was lower compared with that of the previous reports from urban populations. Associated factors found in this study support previous studies. Research addressing modifiable environmental associations is so far scarce in Latin America; further studies are needed to reduce the burden of these diseases in rural populations.

Prenatal and neonatal factors involved in the development of childhood allergic diseases in Guangzhou primary and middle school students

BackgroundAllergic diseases, such as asthma, dermatitis, rhinitis, and eczema, are highly prevalent in Chinese school children. Environmental factors, including air pollution and automobile exhaust, play an important role in the etiology of these diseases. However, prenatal and neonatal factors, such as gender, maternal diseases during pregnancy, and premature birth, may also be associated with allergic disease occurrence. The objective of this study was to explore prenatal and neonatal factors that are involved in the development of allergic diseases among primary and middle school students in Guangzhou, China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was launched by the Health Promotion Centre for Primary and Secondary Schools of the Guangzhou Municipality in October 2017. All primary and middle school students in Guangzhou were notified to participate in the questionnaire online under the direction of their parents. The results of the physical examination were reported by the schools’ medical department. The results of the questionnaire were collected and analyzed by the researchers. The prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, and eczema was identified.ResultsBased on reported 183,449 questionnaires and medical records, the data indicate that the sex, birth weight, neonatal feeding type, delivery mode, and students’ father smoking status were significantly associated with the prevalence of all four allergic diseases in primary and middle school children. In further stratified analyses of the children with normal birth weight (2500–4000 g) and without any maternal diseases during pregnancy, the factors of male sex, high birth weight, cesarean delivery, and father smoking status all increased the risk of asthma, dermatitis, rhinitis, and eczema. Also, unlike exclusive breastfeeding, breast plus formula feeding increased these risks, but pure formula feeding had the opposite effect.ConclusionPrenatal and neonatal factors, including male sex, high birth weight, cesarean delivery, only child, and father smoking status are associated with the risks of allergic diseases in school children.

Early life environmental exposure in relation to new onset and remission of allergic diseases in school children: Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study.

Background: This study was based on data from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study. Objective: The aim was to study associations between home environment factors and allergic diseases at 1 year of life and new onset and remission of children's allergy diagnosis at ages 7-9 years. Methods: Children's health status was assessed at ∼12 months of age and then at ages between 7-9 years by using a questionnaire administered to the mothers. Children were assessed by pediatrician/allergists. The patients, who were 7-9 years old, underwent skin-prick tests. Exposure to tobacco smoke was evaluated with a questionnaire addressed to parents and/or caregivers and cotinine measurements were taken of mother's saliva during pregnancy and in children's urine at ages 7-9 years. Incidence and remission were calculated by comparing symptoms in the first year of life with symptoms at 7-9 years. We studied the associations among demographic data, home environment, and new onset and remission of food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and asthma and allergic rhinitis in logistic regression analysis. All associations were adjusted for independent risk factors of dependent variables. Results: Data from 211 participants were included in the analysis. During the first year of life, food allergy was the most common symptom (39%), followed by atopic dermatitis (35%) and asthma (12%). When comparing diagnoses at ages 7-9 years with the first year of life, food allergy had decreased by as much as 18.6%, atopic dermatitis decreased by as much as 23.8%, and asthma decreased by as much as 8%, whereas asthma and allergic rhinitis had increased from 6% to 14.8%. More frequent house cleaning negatively correlated with the new onset of atopic dermatitis and of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Hypersensitivity to seasonal allergens and mites and to any other allergen positively correlated with new onset of food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and asthma and allergic rhinitis. Parental atopy positively correlated with the new onset of asthma and negatively correlated with asthma remission. Conclusion: Analysis of our findings indicated that new onset and/or remission of allergic diseases was linked with hypersensitivity to house-dust mites in children who were polysensitized and with parental atopy. In addition, children who had food allergy, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis at the age of 1 year had more of a chance developing other atopic disease (except asthma) at ages 7-9 years and less of a chance of having a remission of the disease.

The prevalence of allergic diseases in school children of metropolitan city in Indonesia shows a similar pattern to that of developed countries.

BackgroundThe prevalence of allergy among Surabaya school children is currently unknown.ObjectiveTo identify the prevalence of the common allergic sensitization and allergic diseases among school children and undergraduate students in suburban of Surabaya by epidemiologic data collection.MethodsA multistage simple random sampling was done to select 5 primary schools, 8 secondary schools (4 of junior high schools and senior high schools, respectively), and 1 university from 5 districts in Surabaya city. Out of 550 invited respondents, 499 (128 primary school, 221 secondary school, and 150 undergraduate) respondents gave their consent. A complete personal history, allergic symptoms, environmental exposure of common allergens was obtained from interview and the physical examinations were performed. Skin prick test (SPT) was done using 45 different allergen extracts. Total serum IgE and specific IgE radioallergosorbent test levels were measured for respondents with allergic manifestations.ResultsThere was an increasing SPT positivity among study respondents, from primary school, secondary school, to undergraduate students (21.90%, 28.95%, to 45.30% respectively). Cockroach (42.85%) and fungi/mold spore (42.85%) were the most common allergens in primary school children. House dust mites was the most common allergen in secondary school (63.16%) and undergraduate students (58.82%). Urticaria and rhinitis were the commonest allergic diseases manifestation. History of atopy was positive in 60.79% of the allergic respondents.ConclusionThe prevalence of allergic sensitization among school children and undergraduate students in Surabaya suburb areas were increased compared to previous estimates in 1998. While house dust mites are known as important allergens, surprisingly cockroach was the common allergen among the younger school children.

Prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in school children of the Mexican Bajío region

The prevalence of allergic diseases markedly varies according to the geographical region. To determine the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in children of six and seven years of age. Cross-sectional study that included a sample of almost 15 thousand children in five cities of Mexico. To obtain the prevalence of allergic diseases and their symptoms, the parents of the children answered The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for proportions. Of the total sample, 7466 (52.5 %) were boys and 7463 (47.5%) girls. In general, the prevalence of asthma, exercise-induced asthma and current asthma was 6.1 % (95% CI = 5.7%-6.5%), 2.1 % (95% CI = 1.9%-2.3%) and 11.6 % (95% CI = 11.1% -12.1%), respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 5.4 % (95% CI = 5.1%-5.8%), rhinitis with conjunctivitis, 19.2 % (95% CI = 18.6%-19.8%), and current rhinitis, 52.8% (95% CI = 52.0%-53.6%). The prevalence of atopic dermatitis and current dermatitis was 3.4 % (95% CI = 3.1%-3.7%) and 7.8% (95 % CI = 7.4%-8.2%), respectively. Our results indicate that the prevalence of allergic diseases in school children is similar to that observed in previous studies in Mexico.

Effect of industrialization on allergic diseases in school children

Aim: The lifestyle and environmental changes associated with industrialization and urbanization are crucial factors in determining the prevalence of allergic diseases. Material and Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma and other allergic disorders in an industrial town.Study Design: Prospective, Cross-sectional study. This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Kemalpasa, Ýzmir, Turkey, which is an industrial town. Using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), the questionnaire was carried out on 1511 school-children aged between 13-14 years living in the district center. Results: The ISAAC Phase One questionnaire was answered by 1373 (90.87%) students. Six hundred ninety two (50.5%) of the children were girls and 681 (49.5%) were boys. The frequency of ever wheezing was 34%,that of current wheezing was 31.1% and that of physician-diagnosed asthma was 4.1%. The frequency of ever rhinitis was 36.6%, current rhinitis was 31.3%, current allergic rhino-conjunctivitis was 22.1% and physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis was 11.1%. The frequency of ever eczema was 11.3% and that of physician-diagnosed eczema was 3.6%. Conclusion: The prevalence of asthma was found to be significantly higher, although there was no significant difference in allergic rhinitis and eczema compared with non-industrial neighboring states. The incidence of asthma was higher than other provinces which may be explained by the risk factors associated with this industrialized area. The fact that only children of the same age group and residence were evaluated contributed to the epidemiological value of our study.

GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AS STRONG DETERMINANTS OF ATOPIC ALLERGIC DISEASE CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS IN SURABAYA'S SCHOOL CHILDREN

This case-control study was conducted to assess the relative role of genetic and environmental factors in determining the clinical manifestations of atopy allergy disease in school children, which is part of a large study of the prevalence of allergic diseases in school children in Surabaya. Using a simple multi-stage random sampling, 348 children from 5 elementary schools, 4 junior high schools, and 4 senior high schools in Surabaya were involved in the study. The subjects of the study along with her parents were guided to fill out the modified ISAAC questionnaire and underwent physical examination and skin prick test using 27 common allergen types found in the environment. For the analysis, 110 school children were randomly selected from the parent sample and included in the case group of 55 people (positive skin prick test against &gt; 1 type of allergen), and the control group of 55 people (negative skin prick test). All genetic and environmental factors data were collected and analyzed. Most of the subjects had clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis (66.36%), asthma (21.82%), food allergies (10.9%), and atopic dermatitis (6.36%). Complete models for multiple logistic regression analysis can only be performed for overall atopic disease and allergic rhinitis disease. The first birth order and exposure to home dust mites were the most significant clinical manifestations of atopy disease (OR 4.548, 95% CI: 1.813-11.410, p=0.01). Atopy status of the father was the only significant determinant factor for the manifestation of allergic rhinitis in the study subjects (OR 3.929; 95% CI: 1.143-13.052, p=0.03). Both genetic and environmental factors interacted and determined clinical manifestations of atopy allergy disease in school pupils. The father's genetic factors were more dominant than maternal genetic factors in determining the clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis in offspring.

Evaluation of the relationship between allergic diseases in school children at Seoul's roadside elementary schools and air pollution

An elementary school is an important public place for children and it is where they spend most of their days. The objective of this study was to survey the environmental conditions at schools and to assess the relationship between air pollution and allergic diseases using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Nine elementary schools were selected and subsequently classified into three groups. The selection included two schools with no traffic-related or other pollutants, four schools situated near roads with six lanes, and three schools situated near beltways. Allergic diseases were assessed in a total of 6301 students. School zones with critical exposure to pollutants were selected within each school and were evaluated based on the levels of particulate matter, fine particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and black carbon. O3 and PM10 exposures were significantly associated with the prevalence of lifetime symptoms and diagnosis of asthma. O3 and PM10 exposures were also associated with lifetime symptoms, diagnosis, and 1-year physician diagnosis prevalence of allergic rhinitis. BC exposure was significantly associated with the rates of 1-year treatment of disease for allergic rhinitis. For schools located near sources of air pollution, the prevalence of lifetime symptoms for atopic dermatitis was significantly increased. Some symptoms of allergies were significantly increased at schools surrounded by a higher traffic volume. This study provides additional evidence that exposure to school zone air pollutants and traffic volume put school children at risk for childhood allergic diseases. Thus, strategies and actions are necessary to protect children in schools from exposure to environmental pollutants. In addition, future analysis to evaluate the relationship between traffic-related air pollution and the development of allergic diseases at more advanced ages are needed to confirm or refute these associations.

Increasing prevalence of asthma, respiratory symptoms, and allergic diseases: Four repeated surveys from 1993-2014

Published data shows different prevalence trends depending on the region of Europe. The aim of the study was to analyze time trends of the frequency of the respiratory symptoms and allergic diseases in school children (Silesia, Poland) over the last 21 years. We compared the results of four population-based surveys performed in a town of Chorzow in 1993, 2002, 2007 and 2014 in children aged 7-10 years. All four studies had the same study protocol, recruitment (cluster, school-based sampling), questionnaire (WHO respiratory health questionnaire) and the same principal investigator The surveys included 1130 children in 1993, 1421 children in 2002, 1661 children in 2007 and 1698 in 2014. The results covered a 21 year span and showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in the prevalence of the following physician-diagnosed disorders (1993-2002-2007-2014): asthma (3.4%-4.8%-8.6%-12,6%); allergic rhinitis (4.3%-11.9%-15.9%-13.9%); atopic dermatitis (3.6%-7.9%-12.0%-13.9%); allergic conjunctivitis (4.3%-7.9%-8.3%-7.9%); A simultaneous increasing trend (p<0.05) in the attacks of dyspnea (3.9%-5.9%-7.0%-7.3%) and symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough) induced by exercise (7.5%-10.6%-22.0%-22.4%) and - at the same time - decrease (p<0.05) in the prevalence of cough (31.6%-19.6%15.4%-14.4%). Among children with diagnosed asthma during the 21 year span there was significantly (p<0.05) increased proportion of treated children (51.3%-51.3%-69.5%-60.7%) and a lower frequency of presenting current symptoms. Our findings are in line with the concept of a real increase in the occurrence of asthma and allergic disease in children. The pattern involves not only physician-diagnosed allergic diseases but also occurrence of symptoms related to respiratory disorders. Diagnosed asthma is better treated and better controlled.

Cedar and cypress pollen counts are associated with the prevalence of allergic diseases in Japanese schoolchildren

Patients allergic to pollen have been known to become more symptomatic during pollen season compared with the nonpollen season. However, there are few studies regarding whether higher exposure to pollen might increase the prevalence of allergic diseases. An ecological analysis was conducted to evaluate whether pollen exposure is associated with the prevalence of allergic diseases in schoolchildren. Pollen count data of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), which are the major pollen allergens in Japan, were obtained from each prefecture. The prevalence of allergic diseases in schoolchildren in each prefecture was based on a nationwide cross-sectional survey using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. After omitting three prefectures where pollen data were not available, data of 44 prefectures were analysed. The prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children aged 6-7 years was positively associated with both cedar and cypress pollen counts (P = 0.01, both), whereas the prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children aged 13-14 years was positively associated with only cypress pollen counts (P = 0.003). Furthermore, the prevalence of asthma was positively associated with cedar pollen counts in 6- to 7-year-old children (P = 0.003) but not cypress pollen counts in either age group. There are ecological associations between pollen counts and the prevalence of allergic diseases in Japanese schoolchildren. Further studies are needed to determine whether the difference between the effects of cedar and cypress pollens is attributable to pollen counts or allergenicity.

西日本小学児童におけるアレルギー疾患有症率調査―1992, 2002, 2012年の比較―

西日本地方11県の同一小学校児童を対象に1992年（n=46,718），2002年（n=36,228），2012年（n=33,902）にアレルギー疾患有症率を調査し，次の結果を得た． 1．1992, 2002, 2012年のそれぞれの有症率は，アレルギー性鼻炎（AR）：15.9, 20.5, 28.1％，アトピー性皮膚炎（AD）：17.3, 13.8, 11.7％，アレルギー性結膜炎（AC）：6.7, 9.8, 11.4％，気管支喘息（BA）：4.6, 6.5, 4.7％，スギ花粉症（P）：3.6, 5.7, 9.9％であった． AD, AR, AC, BA, Pのいずれか1つ以上を有するものは31.3, 34.1, 38.6％で，その累積有症率は45.5, 48.5, 50.6％であった．AD, BAは減少し，AR, AC, Pは増加していた． 2．都市部，中間部，非都市部別の有症率では2002, 2012年ともに大きな差はなくなり，性別では2012年は全ての疾患に男子が多かった． 3．AR, AC, Pは年長児に多く，AD, BAは年齢による差はなかった． 4．乳児期栄養，室内喫煙，暖房，冷房別では全ての疾患において大きな差は出なかった． 5．家族歴（父母，同胞）でアレルギー疾患を有する者，既往歴に下気道感染症を有する者にアレルギー疾患全ての有症率が著明に高かった． 6．2012年に初めて行った食物アレルギー（FA），アナフィラキシー（An）の有症率はそれぞれ3.6％，0.8％であった．

DOHaD and Allergic Diseases in Schoolchildren: Does IUGR Affect Risk of Allergic Diseases?

RATIONALE: Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) is the hypothesis that states that the change in fetal programming in response to preterm birth or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with metabolic diseases later in life. It is not clear whether it is also associated with allergic diseases. Our aim was to determine whether the prevalence of allergic diseases in schoolchildren was affected by DOHaD-related prenatal factors, such as being born late preterm (34-36 weeks) or light for dates (LFD). METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey on the prevalence of allergic diseases, such as bronchial asthma (BA), atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), and food allergy (FA), as well as birth weight and gestational age, was administered to more than 13,000 schoolchildren. Multivariate analysis was performed to test the differences in the prevalence of allergic diseases between those with or without DOHaD-related factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of any allergic disease did not differ significantly between those born late preterm and term. On the other hand, the prevalence of those with any allergic diseases was significantly lower among LFD children than among non-LFD children (p=0.03). Specifically, the prevalence of FA was significantly lower in LFD children than in non-LFD children (1.9% vs. 3.9%, p=0.004). Although not statistically significant, the prevalence of other allergic diseases was also lower in LFD children. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that the change in fetal programming due to IUGR might suppress allergic diseases, especially food allergy, in schoolchildren. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

Effect of Living Close to Major Roadway on Allergic Diseases: Results of the Childrenʼs Health and Environmental Research (CHEER)

PP-29-050 Background/Aims: The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased during past decades in Korea, with an increasing tendency of exposure to traffic-related air pollutants being a potential risk factor of allergic diseases in children. The objective of our study is to assess the relationship between living near major roadways and allergic diseases in Korean children. Methods: We studied 2754 children aged 6–8 years from 16 schools in 7 South Korean cities as part of the first Children's Health and Environmental Research (CHEER) survey. The prevalence of allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis) was assessed by an International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire completed by the parents. Residential distance to the nearest major roadway and road density within a 200 m buffer were used as surrogates for traffic-related air pollutants. We used a GIS to measure distance to and density of roadways. We used logistic regression to assess the association between living close to major roadways and allergic diseases. Results: Inverse associations were found between distance to the nearest major roadway and allergic diseases. The highest adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for children living less than 75 m from major roadway were found for lifetime wheeze (OR = 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.83), past year wheeze (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.02–2.08), doctor-diagnosed allergic rhinitis (AR) (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 0.99–1.74), lifetime atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03–1.70), doctor-diagnosed atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.12–1.89), and current atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.06–2.00). Moreover, distance to major roadway had an inverse dose-response relationship with asthma, AR, and atopic dermatitis. Adjusted OR per 100 m decline in distance were elevated for past year wheeze (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.04–1.30), doctor-diagnosed AR (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.20), current AR (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.00–1.20), and current atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.00–1.22). Conclusion: We found that residential distances from major roadways and road density near homes are associated with the prevalence of allergic diseases in school children.

The Exposure to Ozone Is Associated With Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Allergic Sensitization in Schoolchildren

PP-29-041 Background/Aims: Recent increasing trend of prevalence of allergic diseases is at least partly attributable to environmental change. This study aims to investigate the effects of air pollution on the allergic diseases in schoolchildren who are vulnerable to air pollution. Methods: A prospective survey of parental responses to ISAAC questionnaire and allergic evaluations was conducted for 3490 schoolchildren selected from the inner city and industrial area with 2-year interval. Individual exposure to air pollution was estimated by using geographic information system with 5-year mean data. The association of traffic-related estimates with allergic disease was analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 1340 children (M:F = 51.3:48.7) with a mean age of 6.84 ± 0.51 years was included in the analysis because they were performed for allergic tests in both of start and followed years. The lifetime prevalence of diagnosis of allergic diseases and 12-month prevalence of treatment were 10.1%, 4.7% for asthma, and 26.4%, 21.4% for allergic rhinitis, respectively. After 2 years, lifetime prevalence of diagnosis allergic rhinitis had significantly increased. O3 exposure was significantly associated with 12-month prevalence of wheeze in start years (OR per 5 ppb = 1.372, 95% CI = 1.016–1.852). O3 was also associated with all prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children who reside in industrial area. The significant associations of O3 with total IgE and the number of sensitization to outdoor allergen were found. However, there was no significant association between ozone exposure and the new onset of respiratory allergic symptoms in followed year. Conclusion: The exposure to ozone was associated with wheeze and allergic rhinitis. Increased number of sensitization to outdoor allergen by ozone may explain the association.

Both environmental tobacco smoke and personal smoking is related to asthma and wheeze in teenagers

BackgroundEnvironmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been reported as a significant risk factor for childhood asthma. Among adults, personal smoking is a major cause of respiratory symptoms and diseases. The effects...

Asthma and Allergic Diseases in School Children from 1992 to 2007 with Incidence Data

Background. Information about change in the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases and factors related with these diseases would be beneficial in decreasing the burden of these diseases. Objective.To assess (i) change in prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases; (ii) factors associated with asthma and wheeze; and (iii) incidence of asthma and wheeze. Methods. A questionnaire was administered to children aged 7–12 years in first five grades in the same primary school in 1992 (n: 1036), 1997 (n: 738), 2002 (n: 621), and 2007 (n: 422) and filled by the parents. A second survey in 2007 (n: 474, in eight grades) was conducted in the same schoolchildren, 6 months apart, to assess the incidence of asthma and wheeze and the associated factors. Results. Comparison of 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007 surveys revealed that prevalence of asthma (8.3%, 9.8%, 6.4%, 3.3%, respectively), wheeze (11.9%, 13.3%, 6.4%, 3.1%, respectively), hay fever (15.4%, 14.1%, 7.2%, 3.1%, respectively), and eczema (4.0%, 4.3%, 1.8%, 1.2%, respectively) were significantly lower in 2002 and 2007 compared with that in 1992. Percentage of passive smoking decreased after 1992 (74.0%, 64.0%, 64.1%, and 65.5%, respectively). Incidence of asthma and wheeze in 2007 surveys were 0.9/100 and 1.1/100, respectively. After the adjustment for age and gender, infection in the past, family atopy, and presence of atopic disease (eczema or hay fever) were associated with asthma and wheeze. Maternal smoking and lack of breast feeding were associated with asthma. Male gender, pet ownership in the past, lack of health insurance coverage, snoring, and wood or coal used as fuel were associated with wheeze. Conclusions. Decreased prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases in the last 10 years could be related to decreased rate of passive smoking. Lower socioeconomic status and lack of breast feeding could increase the risk of asthma in children.

Asthma and allergic diseases in school children from 1992 to 2007 with incidence data

Asthma and allergic diseases in school children from 1992 to 2007 with incidence data

Breastfeeding and the prevalence of allergic diseases in schoolchildren: Does reverse causation matter?

Infants at higher risk of allergic diseases might be breastfed for longer periods compared with infants at lower risk in the hope that breastfeeding might reduce the risk of atopic disorders. Therefore, this intention could manifest as an apparent allergy-promoting effect of breastfeeding or reverse causation. To analyze the effect of breast feeding on the prevalence of allergic diseases at school age, a large questionnaire survey was administered to the parents of schoolchildren aged 7-15 yrs. 13,215 parents responded (response rate, 90.1%). Prevalence rates of allergic diseases were compared according to the type of feeding in infancy (either complete breastfeeding, mixed feeding or complete artificial feeding). In both univariate and multivariate analysis, compared with those with complete artificial feeding, those with mixed and complete breastfeeding showed a significantly lower prevalence of bronchial asthma (BA) (p = 0.01 and 0.003, respectively). On the other hand, in univariate analysis, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy (FA) were significantly higher in those with complete breastfeeding (p = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). There was a significantly higher proportion of complete breastfeeding among those with greater risk of allergic diseases (presence of family history, either eczema or wheeze within 6 months after birth, or FA in infancy). Therefore, our multivariate analysis included these risks as confounding factors, and we found that the promoting effects of breastfeeding on AD and FA disappeared. In conclusion, our data clearly showed the inhibitory effect of breastfeeding on the prevalence of BA at school age. The apparent promoting effect of breastfeeding on the prevalence of AD and FA is most likely because of reverse causation.