title: Clinical characteristics of childhood asthma.
abstract: A prospective study was undertaken of 298 asthmatic children attending a paediatric allergy clinic in Bloemfontein. A detailed history was obtained, and skin tests were performed. Male predominance and an early age of onset were confirmed. Symptomatic allergic rhinitis was an extremely common finding. A family history of allergy was obtained in over 90% of cases. Respiratory tract infections, changes in the weather and exercise were found to be the most common asthma-inducing factors. Common allergens were grass pollen (63%) and animal danders. House-dust mite (25%) and dietary allergens (less than 20%) were relatively uncommon. The failure to recognise the symptoms of asthma in children, particularly young children, was identified as an ongoing problem.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mercer
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: van Niekerk
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000485:Allergens; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens