International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Results on rhinitis of first phase in Pamplona, Spain.

BACKGROUND

The ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) was thought in order to maximize the value of epidemiological research into asthma and allergic diseases in childhood, establishing a standardized methodology and facilitating collaboration and comparison between several countries.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The written questionnaires in the group of children aged 6-7 years was answered by the parents and the group of children aged 13-14 years self-completed the written questionnaires.

RESULTS

3,040 children aged 13-14 years answered the questionnaire and 3,002 in the group aged 6-7 years. In the group of children aged 13-14, 49.7% referred rhinitis symptoms some time, and 15.6% in the 6-7 year old group. The prevalence of nasal symptoms in the last year was 35.5% in the 13-14 year group and 10.6% in the 6-7 year group. The presence of nasal symptoms was more frequent in winter. The prevalence of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) was 6.1% in the 13-14 year group and 4.8% in the group of children aged 6-7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

These results can contribute to a better control of some factors and to future studies where the etiology and incidence of the disease could be investigated.