[Respiratory history in children and asthma]

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between asthma, the respiratory history and possible disturbances of pulmonary function in teenage asthmatics. This aetiological study was carried out in 103 asthmatics and 1094 controls who were teenagers attending schools in Bordeaux. In addition to the data collected by the teenagers using a self administered questionnaire, parents also filled out a complementary questionnaire. Spirometry was performed in a sample of 112 subjects. The result showed a significant relationship between asthma and respiratory history in childhood and infancy. Moreover there was a significant decrease of FEV1, (in girls only) and FEF 25-75 (boys and girls) amongst the asthmatic pupils.