Prevalence of chronic bronchitis in the children of Lisbon

Broncho-Pneumologie
|September 1, 1980
PubMed

Insights

Chronic Bronchitis (CB) affects 4.9% of children in Lisbon. Measles, whooping cough, and socio-economic factors contribute to its incidence, while ENT issues are common in affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Portugal faces high mortality rates from Chronic Bronchitis (CB), a significant cause of absenteeism and incapacity.
  • Understanding CB prevalence in children is crucial for predicting adult disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Chronic Bronchitis (CB) in children in Lisbon.
  • To investigate factors contributing to CB incidence in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • An epidemiological study involving 4148 children aged 6-14 in Lisbon.
  • Utilized WHO standard questionnaires, physical and ENT examinations, respiratory function tests, and chest microradiography.
  • Operational diagnosis of CB based on chronic cough for at least 3 months during Autumn/Winter over 2 years.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of Chronic Bronchitis (CB) in the studied pediatric population was 4.9%.
  • Measles and whooping cough were identified as contributing factors to CB incidence.
  • Socio-economic conditions likely increase CB incidence, and a high incidence of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) pathology was observed in CB patients.
  • Atmospheric pollution did not appear to influence CB incidence in this study.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic Bronchitis (CB) is prevalent in Lisbon's children, influenced by infectious diseases and socio-economic factors.
  • ENT pathology is frequently associated with pediatric CB.
  • Further research into the interplay of these factors is warranted for effective prevention and management strategies.

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