Trends In Prevalence Of Asthma Research Articles

Is asthma in children still increasing? 20-year prevalence trends in northern Sweden.

In the present study, we describe prevalence trends of asthma and investigate the association with asthma symptoms, use of asthma medication, and asthma severity among 8-year-old children in Norrbotten, Sweden in 1996, 2006, and 2017. Within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, three pediatric cohorts were recruited in 1996, 2006, and 2017 respectively. Identical methods were used; all children in first and second grade (median age 8 years) in three municipalities were invited to a parental questionnaire survey, completed by n = 3430 in 1996 (97% participation), n = 2585 in 2006 (96%), and n = 2785 in 2017 (91%). The questionnaire included questions about respiratory symptoms and diagnosis, treatment, and severity of asthma. The prevalence of wheezing was stable during the study, 10.1% in 1996; 10.8% in 2006; and 10.3% in 2017, p = .621, while physician-diagnosed asthma increased: 5.7%, 7.4%, and 12.2%, p < .001. The use of asthma medication in the last 12 months increased: 7.1%, 8.7%, and 11.5%, p < .001. Among children diagnosed with asthma, the prevalence of asthma symptoms, the impact on daily life, and severe asthma decreased, while the use of inhaled corticosteroids increased from 1996 until 2017. The prevalence of wheezing was stable among 8-year-old in this area from 1996 to 2017, while the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma doubled but without an increase in asthma morbidity. The increase of physician-diagnosed asthma without a coincident increase in asthma morbidity can partly be explained by more and earlier diagnosis among those with mild asthma.

Trends in prevalence of asthma and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors in South Korea: a post-hoc analysis

Trends in prevalence of asthma and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors in South Korea: a post-hoc analysis

National trends in asthma prevalence in South Korea before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, 1998-2021.

National trends in asthma prevalence in South Korea before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, 1998-2021.

Recent trends in asthma diagnosis, preschool wheeze diagnosis and asthma exacerbations in English children and adolescents: a SABINA Jr study

BackgroundAsthma-related burden remains poorly characterised in children in the UK. We quantified recent trends in asthma prevalence and burden in a UK population-based cohort (1‒17-year-olds).MethodsThe Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum...

Changes in the national prevalence of asthma and coronavirus disease 2019 fatality: A population-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mitigation and containment strategies implemented by each country can influence the prevalence of asthma and its fatality. ObjectiveTo analyze the trend of asthma prevalence and COVID-19 fatality in children and adults with asthma. MethodsThe prevalence of asthma and fatalities were compared among the peaks of 5 pandemic waves in Mexico. ResultsAmong patients with COVID-19, the prevalence rates of asthma among children were as follows: wave I, 3.5%; wave II, 2.6%; wave III, 2.2%; wave IV, 2.4%; and wave V, 1.9% (P for trend < .001); the prevalence rates of asthma among adults were as follows: wave I, 2.5%; wave II, 1.8%; wave III, 1.5%; wave IV, 1.7%; and wave V, 1.6% (P for trend < .001). The rates of fatality because of COVID-19 among individuals with asthma were as follows: wave I, 8.9%; wave II, 7.7%; wave III, 5.0%; wave IV, 0.9%; and wave V, 0.2% (P for trend < .001). ConclusionThe prevalence rates of asthma and fatalities from COVID-19 suggest a gradual reduction throughout the pandemic in Mexico.

Trend of asthma prevalence and risk factors in the 20s age band in South Korea.

The prevalence of asthma has increased in many countries. However, whether asthma prevalence may only be true in a specific age band is not well known. Thus, we analyzed the increase in asthma prevalence according to age band and analyzed the related factors. We analyzed the trend of asthma prevalence according to 10-year age band intervals by using 2007 to 2018 data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey. We determined the presence of subject-reported, physician-diagnosed asthma in 89,179 subjects. Multiple logistic regression analyses with a complex sample design were conducted to identify the risk factors for asthma. Among all age ranges, only the 20s age band showed an increase in the trend of asthma prevalence from 0.7% in 2007 to 5.1% in 2018 (P<0.001 for joinpoint regression). Among the 7,658 subjects in the 20s age band, 237 (3.1%) subjects were asthma. In asthma group, 54.9% were male, 43.9% were ever-smokers, 44.6% had allergic rhinitis, 25.3% had atopic dermatitis, and 29.1% were obese. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that asthma was related to allergic rhinitis [odds ratio (OR), 2.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.03-3.81] and atopic dermatitis (OR, 4.13; 95% CI: 2.85-5.98), but not to male sex, ever-smoking, obesity, or socioeconomics status. From 2007 to 2018, the prevalence of asthma significantly increased in the 20s age band in South Korea. This may be related to the increase in the cases of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.

Longitudinal changes in the prevalence of adult asthma: An epidemiological survey among Japanese salaried employees and their dependents using healthcare insurance claim from 1999 to 2019

BackgroundInformation on changes in asthma prevalence and the treatment status for asthma is used as basic information for taking medical and administrative measures against asthma. However, this information among adults is relatively limited. MethodsTo elucidate changes in the prevalence of asthma and treatment status over time among Japanese adults, health insurance claim data from some health insurance societies covering salaried employees and their dependents were studied longitudinally. Claim data from FY1999 to 2007 were obtained from two health insurance societies, and data from FY 2011 to 2019 were obtained from three different health insurance societies, and changes in standardized asthma prevalence among subjects aged 20–59 years, proportion of asthma patients prescribed ICS, leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA), and LABA, and the mean number of acute asthma exacerbations per year were analyzed. ResultsThe prevalence of asthma increased from 1.6% in 1999 to 3.0% in 2007 and 2.9% in 2011 to 4.6% in 2019. Increased trends in asthma prevalence from 2011 to 2019 were more noticeable in subjects in their 50s than those in their 20s for both sexes. The number of emergency visits related to asthma was 1.5 per year in 1999, which decreased to 0.8 per year in 2019. The proportion of people prescribed all anti-asthma medications (ICS, LTRA, and LABA) increased over time. ConclusionsThe prevalence of adult asthma among Japanese salaried employees and their dependents has increased over the last 20 years, suggesting more attention should be paid to the prevention of this disease in adults.

Trend of asthma prevalence among children based on regional urbanization level in Japan; 2006-2019.

Although it has been known that the prevalence of asthma tends to be higher among children in the metropolitan areas of Japan, trends of the prevalence with respect to the regional urbanization level has not been investigated in recent years. We investigated trends in the prevalence of asthma among children and air pollutant concentrations by regional urbanization levels using data from the School Health Statistics Survey in Japan from 2006 to 2019. We calculated the age-standardized prevalence of asthma for each year, gender, regional urbanization level, and annual percent change (APC). In addition, the slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) were calculated for evaluating disparity in age-standardized asthma prevalence depending on regional urbanization levels. Moreover, we calculated the mean of the annual average values by regional urbanization levels for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulate matter (SPM), carbon monoxide (CO), and photochemical oxidant (Ox) from 2006 to 2018. We found that the age-standardized prevalence significantly decreased in the periods in the metropolis for males and females, and the degree of the decrease was largest in the metropolis. Conversely, the age-standardized prevalence increased in towns and villages, and the APC was greater than zero. In addition, both the SII and RII showed significant decreasing trends in the study period, and the regional disparity shrank over the years. Moreover, concentrations of the air pollutants were highest in the metropolis throughout the years except for Ox, whereas the difference in the concentrations of NO2, SPM, and CO decreased between the metropolis and the other areas over the years. In conclusion, disparity in asthma prevalence depending on regional urbanization level decreased from 2006 to 2019, and there is a possibility that regional difference in trend of the air pollutants is related to the result.

Asthma prevalence and associated factors among lebanese adults: the first national survey

BackgroundNo national research has yet explored the prevalence of asthma among adults in Lebanon. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma and current asthma, and their determinants among Lebanese adults 16 years old or above.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out using a multistage cluster sampling. The questionnaire used collected information on asthma, respiratory symptoms, and risk factors.ResultsThe prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 6.7% (95% CI 5–8.7%), and that of current asthma was 5% (95% CI 3.6–6.9%). Chronic symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath were worst at night. Factors positively associated with physician-diagnosed asthma were a secondary educational level (adjusted OR, aOR = 4.45), a family history of chronic respiratory diseases (aOR = 2.78), lung problems during childhood (15.9), and allergic rhinitis (4.19). Additionally, consuming fruits and vegetables less than once per week (3.36), a family history of chronic respiratory diseases (3.92), lung problems during childhood (9.43), and allergic rhinitis (8.12) were positively associated with current asthma.ConclusionsThe prevalence of asthma was within the range reported from surrounding countries. However, repeated cross-sectional studies are necessary to evaluate trends in asthma prevalence in the Lebanese population.

Age-period-cohort analysis of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis prevalence in Japan.

This study aims to analyze the trends in the Japanese prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis by using age–period–cohort (APC) analysis. Data regarding the prevalence of diseases from 1999 to 2017 were collected from Patient Survey in Japan. The data were divided according to age groups ranging from 0–4 years old up to 65–69 years old in 5-year increments. A cohort was defined for each age group of each year with a one-year shift, and cohorts born from 1930–1934 up to 2013–2017 were examined. We used Bayesian APC analysis to decompose the changes in prevalence into age, period, and cohort effects. Results show that the period effect for asthma began to increase in 2008, and those of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis began to increase in 1999. The cohort effects for asthma and atopic dermatitis increased rapidly in cohorts born from approximately 1950 to 1980 and then decreased thereafter. Furthermore, the cohort effect for allergic rhinitis increased from cohorts born in approximately the late 1970s for men and in 1990 for women. The time points with increasing cohort effects for asthma and atopic dermatitis are consistent with the history of air pollution accompanied by rapid economic growth in Japan. The onset of the increased cohort effect for allergic rhinitis was also relatively consistent with the time point at which the mass scattering of pollen began.

The disease burden of childhood asthma in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundIn China, childhood asthma prevalence showed a remarkable increase in the past decades. An updated epidemiological assessment of childhood asthma in China with a focus on prevalence and time trends is required.MethodsWe systematically searched three main Chinese databases and one English database to identify epidemiological studies of the prevalence of childhood asthma in China. Asthma cases were defined according to one of the five sets of Chinese diagnostic criteria which were established by the Children Respiratory Disease Group. We estimated age- and sex-specific prevalence of asthma using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression. We presented the time trends of asthma prevalence between 1990 and 2020 by age, sex and setting (urban vs rural), and also estimated the number of children affected by asthma in 2010.ResultsIn 1990, the prevalence of asthma ranged from 0.13% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.10-0.20) in rural girls aged 14 years to 1.34% (95% CI = 1.11-1.67) in urban boys aged five years. In 2010, the overall prevalence of asthma in Chinese children aged 0-14 years was 2.12% (95% CI = 1.83-2.51), corresponding to 5.16 million children living with asthma. Children aged 5-9 years were with the highest prevalence estimate of 2.65% (95% CI = 2.31-3.12) and those aged 10-14 years were with the lowest (1.48%, 95% CI = 1.26-1.78). In 2020, it is expected that this disparity will continue, with the prevalence of asthma being at the lowest level among rural girls aged 14 years (1.11%, 95% CI = 0.82-1.54) and at the highest level among urban boys aged four years (10.27%, 95% CI = 8.61-12.18). Over the 30 years (1990-2020), the prevalence of asthma in children aged 0-14 years has increased in both sexes and settings, which was consistently the lowest in rural girls and the highest in urban boys.ConclusionsThis study shows that childhood asthma has been increasingly prevalent in China. Asthma is more frequent in boys and in rural areas. The detailed and systematic estimates of asthma prevalence in this study constitute the best currently available basis for policymaking, planning, and allocation of health and welfare resources related to the burden of childhood asthma in China.

Prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and pollinosis in a city of Brazil: A monitoring study

BackgroundAllergic respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis have increased considerably in the last decades. ObjectiveThe present study estimates prevalence trends of asthma, allergic rhinitis and pollinosis in the population of a city of Southern Brazil, without restriction of age, from 2011 to 2018, using the ISAAC standardized questionnaire. MethodsData was collected from March to June of 2011 and during the same months in 2018, in order to verify trends in the prevalence of these allergic conditions. The total sample consisted of 3132 individuals of both sexes living in the municipality of Santo Ângelo, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. ResultsNo differences were observed in the prevalence of asthma diagnosis (15.1% in 2011 and 13.8% in 2018), however the prevalence of current wheeze was significantly reduced from 24.7% in 2011 to 21.2% in 2018 (p<0.05). Regarding allergic conditions in 2011 and in 2018, a significant reduction was observed (p<0.001) in reported current rhinitis (63.3% vs. 50.5%), rhinoconjunctivitis (48.9% vs. 38.8%), hay fever (52.0% vs. 43.3%), and pollinosis (29.0% vs 17.0%). Moreover, we observed an inverse relation between age and rhinoconjunctivitis and hay fever, and all symptoms were more frequent in females. Rhinoconjunctivitis and hay fever, as well as current rhinitis and pollinosis were highly prevalent among 30–39 years-old individuals, whereas current wheeze affected mainly the age group 10–19 years-old. ConclusionWhile the prevalence of asthma remained similar after seven years, allergic rhinitis and pollinosis declined between 2011 and 2018.

Divergent trends in the prevalence of asthma-like symptoms and asthma in a developing country: three repeated surveys between 2002 and 2016

Introduction and objectivesThere have been differences in temporal trends of asthma prevalence by geographic region and economic prosperity. The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in asthma prevalence among young adolescents in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia as a developing country with a low asthma prevalence. Subjects and methodsData were obtained from three cross-sectional surveys (2002, 2006, and 2016) of adolescents (12–15 years) from randomly selected schools in Skopje. Trends in the prevalence of asthma and asthma-like symptoms were investigated descriptively and using multiple logistic regression to adjust for potential confounding factors. ResultsThe prevalence of asthma increased, although the changes were not statistically significant (2002: 1.7%; 2006: 2.0%; 2016: 2.8%; p=0.075). Statistically significant (p<0.05) reductions in wheeze prevalence over time (2002, 2006, 2016) were observed for current wheeze (8.8%, 7.2%, 5.5%), exercise-induced wheeze (14.2%, 7.9%, 1.9%), and night dry cough (16.5%, 13.5%, 9.6%). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, there was an increase in asthma likelihood by year compared to 2002 (2006: OR=1.22, 95%CI=0.67–2.22; 2016: OR=2.45, 95%CI=1.24–4.84). In the adjusted analyses, associations between year and the asthma-like symptoms confirmed the descriptive results, except for current wheeze, where statistical significance disappeared. ConclusionsDivergent trends in prevalence with a decrease in asthma-like symptoms and an increase in physician-diagnosed asthma in Skopje during a period of 14 years were established. Improved asthma labelling and effective preventative treatment of symptoms may explain some of these changes, although changes in environment and lifestyle could not be ruled out.

The increase of asthma prevalence has levelled off and symptoms decreased in adults during 20 years from 1996 to 2016 in Helsinki, Finland.

Mortality and hospitalization due to asthma have decreased in many European countries, but asthma symptoms still cause a lot of morbidity and costs. We evaluated prevalence trends of asthma, asthma symptoms and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in adults aged 20-69 years during a 20-year period from 1996 to 2016 in the city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Three cross-sectional postal surveys were conducted in random population samples 10 years apart. In 1996, 2006 and 2016, a total of 6062 (response rate 75.9%), 2449 (61.9%) and 4026 subjects (50.3%) took part, respectively. In all responders, the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 6.6% in 1996, 10% in 2006 and 10.9% in 2016. The prevalence increased from 1996 to 2006, but stabilized from 2006 to 2016, both in men and women and in smokers and non-smokers. The prevalence of current asthma (8.5% in 2006 and 8.8% in 2016) and of asthma with rhinoconjunctivitis (7.6% in 2006 and 7.5% in 2016) remained also at the same level. Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis decreased significantly from 2006 (42.7%) to 2016 (39.0%, p = 0.004). Those with physician diagnosed asthma reported significantly less symptoms in 2016 compared to 2006 and 1996, although there was no change in smoking habits or medication use. Young asthmatics (20-29 years) without rhinoconjunctivitis reported least symptoms. Previously observed increase of physician-diagnosed asthma prevalence in adults seems to be levelling off in Helsinki, and patients have fewer symptoms than 20 years ago. In addition, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is less frequent than 10 years earlier. (247 words).

Asthma and Rotary-Wing Military Aircrew Selection.

BACKGROUND: From a population-based perspective, reports in the peer-reviewed medical literature suggest an increase in the overall prevalence of asthma in recent decades. Applicants for military aviation training with a current or past history of asthma are generally excluded in the United Kingdom.METHODS: In order to assess the impact of the prevalence of asthma on the available pool of military service candidates, the authors collected data on annual live births between 1916 and 2016 as well as peer-reviewed publications that provided insight into asthma prevalence trends within the United Kingdom across the last century (covering birth-year population cohorts ranging from 1924 to 1995). Regression techniques were used to estimate the prevalence of individuals who could reasonably expect to be found unfit for military aviation service due to asthma-like conditions within the birth-year cohorts between 2001 and 2016.RESULTS: Between 1916 and 2016, the number of live births in the United Kingdom has averaged approximately 802,000 per year. The reported prevalence of asthma, based on the assimilated data points, ranged from 2.3 cases per 1000 individuals among the 1924 birth-year cohort, to 29.8 cases per 1000 individuals among the 1990 birth-year cohort.DISCUSSION: Based on the data and analysis presented above, asthma continues to constitute a significant public health issue in the United Kingdom. Military services must base risk mitigation decisions on accurate and precise diagnostic categorizations, and prudently balance the benefits of allowing affected individuals to participate in military service with the potential for mission degradation or compromise.Porter WD, Powell-Dunford N, Wilde GD, Bushby AJR. Asthma and rotary-wing military aircrew selection. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(7):606-612.

Dietary risk factors for childhood asthma in a semi-urban area of South India: A cross-sectional study

Background: Although inhaled allergens are more likely to trigger asthma than food allergens, global trends of asthma prevalence emphasize the role of changing dietary habits in modulating the inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify the dietary risk factors associated with childhood asthma in a semi-urban region of South India. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done at a medical college hospital in South India from October 2016 to January 2017. After obtaining the Ethical Committee approval, children aged 3–15 years attending the pediatric outpatient department were enrolled in the study. Parents were interviewed with a precoded Food Frequency Questionnaire. Details regarding common dietary practices followed at home, frequency of consumption of specific food groups and history of food allergy were obtained. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Among 500 subjects, 293 (58.6%) children had physician-diagnosed asthma. Duration of breastfeeding was &lt;1 year (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.35–2.99); frequent intake of fast food (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.61–4.52), usage of coloring agents and taste enhancers in cooking (OR 3.93, 95% CI 1.53–10.06), and history of allergy to specific foods (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.42–3.45) were found to be independent risk factors for childhood asthma. The absence of fish in the diet was significantly associated with increased risk of asthma (OR 1.50, 1.04–2.15) and non-vegetarians were at lesser risk (OR 0.43, 0.24–0.76) of developing asthma. Conclusion: Prolonged duration of breastfeeding (&gt;1 year), restriction of fast food, and avoidance of food additives decrease the risk of asthma in children. Non-vegetarian diet with the inclusion of fish offers a protective effect against asthma. Early identification and appropriate management of coexisting food allergies in children with asthma are necessary.

Prevalence of symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children in Southern Brazil: a ten-year monitoring study

Objective: This study analyzes and describes trends in prevalence of asthma and rhinitis in children 6–7 years old living in Santo Ângelo, Brazil, by comparing data from 2007, 2012, and 2017. Methods: The ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) standardized written questionnaire was used in a three cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire was applied between March and May of 2007, 2012 and 2017. Results: A total of 701 children participated in the survey: 225 children in 2007, 229 in 2012, and 247 in 2017. There were no differences in the prevalence of current wheeze in the years of this study. On the other hand, a higher percentage of children were diagnosed with asthma in 2012 (26.2%) than in 2007 (10.2%) and 2017 (10.1%) (p < 0.05); however, the severity of asthma was lower in 2012 when compared to other years. Regarding cases of probable asthma – which included patients with suspected asthma or wheezing and nocturnal cough without a diagnosis of asthma – these corresponded to 15.7, 17.0, and 25.1% of the cases in 2007, 2012 and 2017, respectively. For other allergic diseases, we found no statistical difference in the frequency of symptoms of current rhinitis (55.5%, 54.6%, 51.8% in 2007, 2012, and 2017, respectively), allergic rhinitis (45.3%, 45.0%, 36.4% in 2007, 2012, and 2017, respectively), or pollinosis (17.8%, 12.7%, 14.2% in 2007, 2012, and 2017, respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of probable asthma increased from 2007 to 2017. The prevalence of symptoms and diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and pollinosis was relatively high and these allergies must be considered in the pediatric population of the region.

Trends in asthma prevalence and its symptoms in Mexican late adolescents over a 7-year period

Late adolescents with asthma are rarely studied, since generally they are not included in children or adult groups; in addition, studies assessing asthma trends are scarce in Mexico, and their results might differ from findings in developed countries. To determine the trends in asthma prevalence and its symptoms in late adolescents over a period of 7 years. The prevalence of asthma and its symptoms were compared in two cross-sectional population-based cohorts, one from 2009 and the other from 2016. The presence of wheezing sometime in life and during the previous year was significantly increased between 2009 and 2016 (12.8 % versus 20.1 % and 7.3 % versus 10.3 %, p < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). The prevalence of asthma went from 7.8 % in 2009 to 12.7 % in 2016 (p < 0.0001). In addition, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (4.5 % versus 9.0 %) and atopic dermatitis (3.8 % versus 5.2 %) also showed marked increases (p < 0.0001 and 0.051, respectively). The prevalence of asthma and some of its symptoms in late adolescents substantially increased in a 7-year period.

Changes in the prevalence of asthma and related risk factors in adolescents: Three surveys between 1994 and 2015

MethodsThis study assesses the temporal trend of current asthma symptoms prevalence and associated factors in Chilean adolescents from South-Santiago, considering surveys performed in 1994, 2002 and 2015. ResultsThe prevalence of current asthma symptoms showed a trend to increase from 11.1% in 1994 to 13.4% in 2015 (p<0.001); physician-diagnosed asthma increased from 11.5% to 13.8%, (p<0.001) whereas severe asthma and asthma with exercise decreased (p<0.001). Female adolescents had a higher prevalence of current asthma in the three surveys (p<0.001), and was a risk factor for asthma in the three surveys. In 2002, frequent consumption of meat and potatoes were associated with current asthma while frequent vigorous exercise was protective. Frequent exercise and parental tobacco smoking were risk for asthma in 2015 (p<0.001). Current active tobacco smoking showed a trend to increase reaching a prevalence of 28.9% in 2015 (p<0.001). There was a consistently low proportion of adolescents with current wheezing and asthma diagnosis (32.1% in 2015) and 37.6% of them had no asthma treatment. ConclusionThe prevalence of current asthma in adolescents from the studied area would be still increasing. As in other studies, female adolescents had a higher prevalence of current asthma. Current active tobacco smoking has strikingly increased in the studied children while indoor passive tobacco exposure remains inadmissibly high. Our findings suggest that asthma in children is underdiagnosed and undertreated. More attention should be given to female gender, tobacco exposure, air pollution and local diagnostic preferences when studying and interpreting trends of asthma prevalence in adolescents from developing localities.

The rising trend of asthma prevalence in urban school children of Jaipur: A questionnaire based study

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the current prevalence of asthma and other allergies in urban school children of Jaipur and further to assess the increasing trend. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2925 urban school children (5–15 years) of Jaipur using a modified school-based-allergy and asthma screening questionnaire. Results: Among 2925 children screened, 24% (702) were labeled as probable asthmatics of which 18.2% (532) were diagnosed to have asthma, and only 6.2% had previously diagnosed asthma by physician. Conclusion: The current prevalence of asthma is 18.2% which is on a rapidly rising trend and despite its high prevalence; the disease still remains highly underdiagnosed in children.