The changing demographic pattern in asthma related to sex and age. A study of 13,651 patients on sodium cromoglycate (Intal).

A total of 13,651 patients diagnosed as suffering from asthma and who were prescribed Intal are reviewed with regard to age and sex. It is found that in infancy and the prepubertal ages, males far outnumber females. There is a changeover during the ages 14 to 20 years to female predominance. At 60 years of age and above there is an equality in proportions by sex. Observations are made on age limitations for Intal therapy. That a hormonal factor or imbalance of hormonal factors is present in asthma is suggested.