Thiemann H H, Brömme W, Vorwald U, Haidar H, Schmeckebier S
Z Erkr Atmungsorgane. 1976 Apr;145(1):104-10.
Report of an epidemiological study in the district of Quedlinburg. This district comprises parts of the mountains of the Harz and an area in front of the Mountains. 4544 children were examined in the age-groups 5.-6., 8.-9., 11.-12. and 14.-15. years of life. In 3,4% of all children a chronic or recurrent nonspecific lung disease was discovered (in 2,5% a recurrent bronchitis, in 0,48% a chronic bronchitis and in 0,24% bronchial asthma). With increasing age the number of diseased children decreases. Differences in the frequency of the diseases between boys and girls could not be found. There were no differences in the rate of the diseases between the towns with somewhat higher degree of air pollution (Quedlinburg and Thale) and the other parts of the district. The frequency of bronchitis however was significantly higher in the mountains of the Hartz than in the lower situated territory, perhaps due to the rougher climate in the mountains.