Prevalence of respiratory symptoms at two time points in a population of children in Manchester--a cohort study

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Published on: August 7, 2017

Mary F Linehan1, Robert M Niven, David N Baxter

  • 1Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

BMJ Open
|October 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study tracked childhood respiratory symptoms over time, finding a decrease in night cough and respiratory infections but an increase in hay fever and eczema. Asthma symptom prevalence remained constant in this cohort.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Childhood asthma and atopy prevalence have risen, yet tracking trends is challenging.
  • Cross-sectional studies are common but do not follow the same individuals over time.
  • This study aims to track symptom prevalence in a single cohort at two distinct time points.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in a consistent cohort of children at two separate time points.
  • To analyze trends in childhood asthma and atopy within the same population over a defined period.
  • To provide longitudinal data on the changing patterns of respiratory and allergic symptoms in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study design.
  • Community-based study in Central Manchester.
  • Parent-completed questionnaires collected data on respiratory symptoms at two time points from a cohort of children.

Main Results:

  • A significant reduction in night cough (29.5% to 18.3%) and antibiotic use for respiratory infections (9.1% to 4.3%) was observed.
  • The prevalence of hay fever/eczema increased from 41.6% to 46.9%.
  • No significant changes were found in the prevalence of wheeze, exercise-induced wheeze, or asthma medication use.

Conclusions:

  • While asthma symptom prevalence remained constant, there was variability as children matured.
  • The burden of allergy symptoms, such as hay fever and eczema, increased within the cohort.
  • This longitudinal data highlights evolving patterns in childhood respiratory and allergic conditions.
Abstract

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