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Spectrum of childhood asthma in Galway
1Paediatric Department, University College Hospital, Galway.
Insights
Children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Child Health
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
- Understanding the child's and parent's perception of asthma symptoms is crucial for effective management.
- Previous studies have highlighted discrepancies in symptom reporting between children and caregivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the perception of asthma symptoms between children and their parents.
- To assess clinical features and management of childhood asthma.
- To investigate the impact of asthma on school attendance and physical development.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to parents of 832 fourth-class children.
- 118 children with a history of wheeze and 118 matched controls underwent clinical evaluation.
- Data collected included symptom reporting, height, peak flow, chest deformity, and eczema presence.
Main Results:
- Children reported exercise-induced symptoms more frequently than parents (86% vs. 65%).
- Parents reported night cough more often than children (65% vs. 28%).
- Over half of children missed school due to asthma; chest deformity was present in 25%.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant difference in how children and parents perceive asthma symptoms.
- Childhood asthma impacts school attendance and can present with clinical signs like chest deformity.
- Despite symptoms, height and peak flow measurements were not significantly affected in asthmatic children compared to controls.
Abstract:
We administered a questionnaire to the parents of 832 children in 4th class. 134 had wheezed in the previous 12 months. These children and matched controls were invited to attend for a brief clinical evaluation. 118 children with a history of wheeze and 118 age and sex matched wheeze free controls were seen. A brief questionnaire was administered. Heights and peak flow were measured. Children were assessed for the presence of chest deformity and eczema. There was a male predominance (1.7:1). Exercise induced symptoms were noted by 86% of children, but only 65% of parents in contrast, 65% of parents complained of night cough as against 28% of children. Over half had missed school because of asthma. Controls were asymptomatic. Height and peak flow measurements were similar in both groups. Chest deformity was evident in 25% of children with asthma, 8% had eczema and 27% were taking prophylactic medication. Childrens perception of asthma differs from that of their parents. School absence remains a problem and clinical evidence of hyper-inflation is common, though the absence of an overt effect on height and peak flow is encouraging.