Prevalence and characteristics of children with chronic respiratory symptoms in eastern Finland

The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of asthma and asthma-related symptoms in Finland. We also wondered whether chronic cough may be an indicator of occult asthma. Prevalence and characteristics of children with doctor-diagnosed asthma and chronic respiratory symptoms were investigated in 7-12 year old school children from eastern Finland by using a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. In addition, skin-prick tests, flow-volume spirometry, and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) measurements were performed in children reporting chronic respiratory symptoms. The parent-reported prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma was 4.4%, of wheezing 5.4%, of attacks of shortness of breath with wheezing 4.6%, and of dry cough at night 12%. Children with dry cough only (n = 195) had less frequent parental asthma, self-reported allergies, daily respiratory medication, and moisture stains or molds at home than asthmatic children (n = 180), but these findings were more frequent than among asymptomatic children (n = 2,169). The prevalence of at least one positive skin-prick test result was 79% among the asthmatic children and 55% among children with dry cough only. There were no differences between the two symptom groups in serum total IgE levels and spirometric lung functions, except in maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) values, which were significantly lower among children with asthmatic symptoms. The present results support the hypothesis that chronic cough may be an indicator of occult asthma. Therefore, to improve the sensitivity of respiratory questionnaires designed to detect asthma, they should also include questions on chronic cough.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

This article has been cited by other articles:

				U. Langkulsen, W. Jinsart, K. Karita, and E. Yano Respiratory symptoms and lung function in Bangkok school children Eur J Public Health, December 1, 2006; 16(6): 676 - 681. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Hermann, T. Westergaard, B. V. Pedersen, J. Wohlfahrt, A. Host, and M. Melbye A Comparison of Risk Factors for Wheeze and Recurrent Cough in Preschool Children Am. J. Epidemiol., August 15, 2005; 162(4): 345 - 350. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D J Ward, K T Roberts, N Jones, R M Harrison, J G Ayres, S Hussain, and S Walters Effects of daily variation in outdoor particulates and ambient acid species in normal and asthmatic children Thorax, June 1, 2002; 57(6): 489 - 502. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K L Timonen, J Pekkanen, P Tiittanen, and R O Salonen Effects of air pollution on changes in lung function induced by exercise in children with chronic respiratory symptoms Occup. Environ. Med., February 1, 2002; 59(2): 129 - 134. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S T Remes, J Pekkanen, K Remes, R O Salonen, and M Korppi In search of childhood asthma: questionnaire, tests of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and clinical evaluation Thorax, February 1, 2002; 57(2): 120 - 126. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. J. Witorsch and P. Witorsch Review : Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Respiratory Health in Children: A Critical Review and Analysis of the Literature from 1969 to 19981 Indoor and Built Environment, September 1, 2000; 9(5): 246 - 264. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. SCHWARTZ, K. L. TIMONEN, and J. PEKKANEN Respiratory Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke in a Panel Study of Asthmatic and Symptomatic Children Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., March 1, 2000; 161(3): 802 - 806. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A O Faniran, J K Peat, and A J Woolcock Persistent cough: is it asthma? Arch. Dis. Child., November 1, 1998; 79(5): 411 - 414. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				K. L. TIMONEN, J. NIELSEN, J. SCHWARTZ, A. GOTTI, V. VONDRA, C. GRATZIOU, P. G. AeVER, W. ROEMER, and B. BRUNEKREEF Chronic Respiratory Symptoms, Skin Test Results, and Lung Function as Predictors of Peak Flow Variability Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., September 1, 1997; 156(3): 776 - 782. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. L. TIMONEN and J. PEKKANEN Air Pollution and Respiratory Health among Children with Asthmatic or Cough Symptoms Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., July 1, 1997; 156(2): 546 - 552. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				J. B Austin and G. Russell Wheeze, cough, atopy, and indoor environment in the Scottish Highlands Arch. Dis. Child., January 1, 1997; 76(1): 22 - 26. [Abstract] [Full Text]