Mercer M J, van Niekerk C H
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein.
S Afr Med J. 1991 Jan 19;79(2):77-9.
A prospective study was undertaken of 298 asthmatic children attending a paediatric allergy clinic in Bloemfontein. A detailed history was obtained, and skin tests were performed. Male predominance and an early age of onset were confirmed. Symptomatic allergic rhinitis was an extremely common finding. A family history of allergy was obtained in over 90% of cases. Respiratory tract infections, changes in the weather and exercise were found to be the most common asthma-inducing factors. Common allergens were grass pollen (63%) and animal danders. House-dust mite (25%) and dietary allergens (less than 20%) were relatively uncommon. The failure to recognise the symptoms of asthma in children, particularly young children, was identified as an ongoing problem.
对在布隆方丹一家儿科过敏诊所就诊的298名哮喘儿童进行了一项前瞻性研究。获取了详细病史并进行了皮肤测试。研究证实哮喘在男性中更为常见且发病年龄较早。有症状的过敏性鼻炎是极为常见的症状。超过90%的病例有过敏家族史。发现呼吸道感染、天气变化和运动是最常见的哮喘诱发因素。常见过敏原为草花粉（63%）和动物皮屑。屋尘螨（25%）和食物过敏原（不到20%）相对不常见。儿童尤其是幼儿哮喘症状未被识别被认为是一个持续存在的问题。
