Related Experiment Videos

Declining asthma prevalence in Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren

G W K Wong1, T F Leung, F W S Ko

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China.

Clinical and Experimental Allergy : Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|October 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Asthma symptoms in Hong Kong schoolchildren have decreased, according to a study using the International Study of Asthma and Allergic disease in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. This trend in childhood asthma prevalence warrants further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Epidemiology of Respiratory Diseases
  • Public Health Research

Background:

  • Rising prevalence of asthma and atopic disorders globally.
  • Challenges in asthma trend monitoring due to non-standardized methods.
  • Need for objective measurements in epidemiological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess trends in asthma and allergic disease prevalence among schoolchildren.
  • To compare current asthma symptom rates with historical data using validated tools.
  • To identify changes in the epidemiology of childhood asthma.

Main Methods:

  • Recruitment of 3321 schoolchildren aged 13-14 years.
  • Utilized the International Study of Asthma and Allergic disease in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III Protocol.
  • Compared current data with Phase I ISAAC study (1994-95) using identical questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • Physician-diagnosed asthma prevalence remained similar (11.2% vs. 10.2%).
  • Wheeze prevalence (written questionnaire) significantly decreased from 12.4% to 8.7% (P<0.001).
  • Asthmatic symptoms and wheezing attacks showed significant reductions in 2002 compared to 1994-95.

Conclusions:

  • Standardized ISAAC questionnaire reveals a decline in asthma symptoms among Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren since 1994.
  • The observed decrease in asthma symptom prevalence requires further research to determine underlying causes.
  • Highlights the importance of consistent methodologies for tracking respiratory health trends.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.