A 5-year prognosis of childhood asthma.

A series of 207 asthmatic children aged 4-10 years studied during the years 1976-1978 were called for a follow-up study 4-6 years later. Of these, 53 (26%) children were completely symptom-free and 154 still had symptoms. The proportion of symptom-free patients was highest (45%) among those having attacks only during respiratory infections. The prognosis was worsened by such factors as a high rate of attacks, an association with eczema and a history of otitis media or adenoidectomy. The clinical picture of disease among children having attacks only during respiratory infections (wheezy bronchitis) was distinctive from that in asthma and may be separated as its own entity. Subgrouping of childhood asthma is beneficial for a clinician when considering the intensity of therapy or the need for controls.