[Current prevalence of asthma, allergy and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children aged 6 to 8 years old].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the current prevalence of asthma, allergy and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children aged 6to 8years old from Huesca (Spain).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and dermatitis by questionnaire (ISAAC), skin test and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (exercise challenge, forced expiratory volume1) in all children aged 6 to 8 years old living in an urban area (n=1051) and in a representative sample from the same area (n=309).

RESULTS

The questionnaire response rate was 88.01% (n=925). Current prevalence rates were 7.4% for wheezing, 10.5% for rhinitis and 8.5% for dermatitis. Participation rate in the skin test and bronchial hyperresponsiveness study was 86.55% (n=309): bronchial hyperresponsiveness was found in 5.3% and skin test was positive in 21.8% while sensitization against grass pollen was found in 45.5%, against olives in 34.8% and against house dust mite in 10.6%. Rhinitis and/or dermatitis symptoms and positive skin test were found in 7.92%. Asthma related symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness were found in 5.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports the current prevalence of asthma (5.5%), allergy (7.92%) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (7.92) in children aged 6 to 8 years old from Huesca.