[Trends in the frequency of hospitalization for asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease in The Netherlands, 1980-1988].

National hospital admission frequencies were analysed for asthma (ICD-9 code 493) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (ICD-code 490 + 491 + 492 + 496) for 1980-1988 by sex and according to age (0-4, 5-34, 35-64, and greater than or equal to 65 years). Rates per million of the population per year were calculated and time trend analyses performed by least square regression. The admission rate for asthma showed a decrease in the total male and female population, as was the case in all age groups, except for the age group 0-4 years in which a significant increase was found. For COPD an increase was observed in total admissions in males and females, due to a substantial increase in the age group greater than or equal to 65 years, while in females the increase in the age group 35-64 years also contributed. The striking increase in hospitalisation for asthma in young children needs further attention, as does the increase in hospital admissions for COPD in older people, particularly with respect to women, for whom continuing rising trends can be expected.