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.
Shabu
A
A
Department of Paediatrics, National University of Ireland, Clinical Science Institute, Galway.
Flanagan
O
O
Dineen
B
B
Loftus
B G
BG
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