Prevalence of asthma in Galway school children 2004.
We aimed to ascertain the prevalence of asthma amongst Galway schoolchildren aged 9-10, and to compare the results to a similar study carried out in 1992. A questionnaire was distributed to parents of all children attending 4th class in Galway city schools. 652 of 750(87%) questionnaires were returned. Prevalence of "wheeze ever" was 27.6%, and "current wheeze" 16.3%. The prevalence of asthma was 18.5%. Of those with asthma there was a 2 to 1 male preponderance, 80% had mild asthma, 14% moderate, and 6% severe asthma. 80% were taking anti-asthma therapy, with 48% taking regular inhaled steroids. 84% had a diagnosis of asthma made by a doctor. Comparison with the study of 1992 shows little change in the prevalence of current wheeze, or asthma. There has however been a significant decline in the severity of asthma, and an increase in the use of prophylactic anti-asthma medication. Asthma prevalence appears to be stable in the age group studied. There is a much greater willingness to diagnose, and treat asthma in the community. The severity of asthma, as measured by attack frequency, has declined.
Department of Paediatrics, National University of Ireland, Clinical Science Institute, Galway.
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Shabu
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Flanagan
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Dineen
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Loftus
D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012572:School Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents