Related Experiment Videos
Asthma in seven year old children: a report from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study
Insights
Asthma prevalence in children aged 0-7 years was studied. Over 12% were diagnosed with probable asthma, while over 22% experienced wheezing without a definitive asthma diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Respiratory Medicine
- Child Development
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in childhood.
- Early identification and understanding of asthma prevalence are crucial for effective management.
- The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study provides a valuable cohort for longitudinal research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of asthma in children between birth and seven years.
- To explore the association between asthma symptoms and other respiratory and allergic conditions.
- To identify potential demographic and clinical differences in children with and without asthma.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 875 children participating in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study.
- Diagnoses of certain or probable asthma were based on reported symptoms including wheezing, bronchitis, hayfever, eczema, and allergies.
- Data were analyzed to compare children with and without asthma.
Main Results:
- 12.6% of children received a diagnosis of certain or probable asthma.
- An additional 22.6% reported wheezing but did not meet criteria for a definitive asthma diagnosis.
- Bronchitis was frequently reported, often alongside wheezing.
- Children with definite asthma showed a male predominance and differences in body build and school attendance compared to asymptomatic children.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of young children experience asthma or related respiratory symptoms.
- Wheezing is a common symptom, but not always indicative of definitive asthma in early childhood.
- Asthma in early childhood may be associated with specific demographic and physical characteristics.
Abstract:
The prevalence of asthma between birth and seven years was determined by questionnaire in 875 children as part of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Child Development Study. From the combinations of asthma and/or wheezing reported in association with bronchitis, hayfever, eczema and allergies, a diagnosis of certain or probable asthma was made in 12.6 percent of these children. A further 22.6 percent admitted to wheezing, but a diagnosis of asthma could not be made with any certainty. Bronchitis was reported frequently, usually associated with wheezing. Children with more obvious asthma showed a male preponderance and significant differences in body build and school attendance compared with asymptomatic children.