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Rising prevalence of asthma but declining wheeze in teenagers (1995-2003): ISAAC protocol
P J Manning1, P Goodman, A O'Sullivan
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, CResT Directorate, St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin. pjmanning@eircom.net
Irish Medical Journal
|February 19, 2008
Summary
Childhood asthma prevalence in Ireland has risen significantly since the 1990s, with a 42.1% increase observed in teenagers. However, wheeze symptoms have decreased by 10.4% in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Epidemiology of Respiratory Diseases
- Public Health Research
Background:
- The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) identified a significant rise in asthma and wheeze symptoms among Irish teenagers in the mid-1990s.
- Global trends indicate continued increases in asthma prevalence in some nations, necessitating updated data for Ireland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain if the upward trend in childhood asthma prevalence has persisted in the Republic of Ireland.
- To update epidemiological data on asthma and wheeze symptoms in Irish adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Conducted two national cross-sectional studies in the Republic of Ireland in 1998 (n=2580) and 2002-2003 (n=3089).
- Surveyed the same childhood population previously assessed in the ISAAC study.
- Analyzed trends in asthma and wheeze prevalence among 13-14 year old teenagers.
Main Results:
- A notable 42.1% relative increase in asthma prevalence was observed in Irish teenagers by 2002-2003.
- Conversely, a 10.4% relative reduction in wheeze prevalence was recorded in the same cohort during the same period.
Conclusions:
- Childhood asthma prevalence shows a continued upward trend in the Republic of Ireland.
- The divergence between rising asthma and falling wheeze prevalence warrants further investigation into underlying environmental and clinical factors.
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