Prevalence and risk factors of asthma symptoms in Saudi university students in Najran, southern border region of Saudi Arabia

Background: Asthma prevalence in adults is globally increasing with variations between and within countries. Data are lacking regarding the prevalence of asthma among adults in Najran area , the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Objectives: The study aimed at estimating the prevalence and risk factors for asthma symptoms in Najran University students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Najran University Saudi students during the academic year 2017–2018. A modified translated International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was distributed to Najran University Saudi students, males and females aged 18 and above living in Najran for more than 1 year. Samples were taken using multistage random sampling. Results: A total of 418 participants (269 males and 149 females) with a mean age of 21.05 ± 1.56 were included in the study. The prevalence of asthma depending on the wheezing symptom in the past 12 months was 27% and physician-diagnosed asthma was 13.6%. Most of the asthmatic subjects (>85%) have intermittent symptoms. The first-degree family history, active tobacco smoking, allergic rhinitis (AR), dust, and smoke are the major risk factors for asthma symptoms. Conclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of self-reported asthma symptoms among adults in Najran University associated with a high prevalence of AR, which needs particular attention by the health stakeholders.

Risk factors for food allergy among children in Seoul: focusing on dietary habits and environmental factors / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study examined the prevalence of food allergies and allergenic factors in a selected sample of children living in Seoul, Korea, along with their dietary habits, environmental factors, and diseases as risk factors for food allergy. The results of this study will provide basic data for addressing food allergies.METHODS: We selected 3,004 pre-school and school-age children, aged 0 ~ 12, in the 25 districts of Seoul as the study sample. Structured self-report questionnaires were administered over a two-month period in July-August 2018, and the children's parents recorded the answers on their children's behalf. The research tools in this study included the Korean version of the questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC).RESULTS: The physician-diagnosed prevalence rate of food allergies was 14.2%, while 20.4% of the children experienced allergic symptoms at least once and 17.4% reported symptoms within the previous 12 months. The children's symptoms included skin problems (88.1%), gastrointestinal issues (19.2%), oral issues (16.7%), respiratory issues (12.7%), and systemic issues (1.3%). The causes of allergies included eggs, peaches, milk, peanuts, and shrimps. The factors influencing the experience of food allergies were the consumption of cereal (aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.09 ~ 2.10; p = 0.013), potatoes (aOR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.33 ~ 2.65; p < 0.001), and fast food (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.10 ~ 2.72; p = 0.017). Having food allergy symptoms was associated with a higher risk of experiencing asthma (aOR, 4.22 95% CI, 3.10 ~ 5.76; p < 0.001), allergic rhinitis (aOR, 2.53; 95% CI, 2.03 ~ 3.15; p < 0.001), and atopic dermatitis symptoms (aOR, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.88 ~ 4.40; p < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Episodes of food allergies warrant examining regular food consumption and placing dietary restrictions through early diagnosis as these episodes may imply the presence of other allergies. Our findings offer basic insights into the patterns, prevalence and symptoms of children's food allergies in Seoul, and our findings will contribute to identifying effective interventions for food allergies.

Matanzas: en los inicios de la Ciencia en Cuba / Matanzas: at the begining of the Science in Cuba

No puede relatarse el desarrollo de la ciencia cubana, sin la valoración justa y aceptada del papel desempeñado por destacados científicos matanceros; en el presente trabajo se aborda el quehacer de tres destacadas, figuras que dejaron su impronta en las nuevas generaciones: Juan Santos Fernández Hernández (1847-1922), Ángel Arturo Aballí Arellano (1880-1952) y José Isaac Corral Alemán (1882-1946), hombres nacidos en diferentes lugares de la geografía matancera. stos científicos, en condiciones políticas y económicas difíciles fueron capaces de prevalecer en el tiempo y moldear con su ejemplo imperecedero a las generaciones de científicos cubanos que les sucedieron (AU).

The development of the sciences in Cuba cannot be narrated without the objective and accepted evaluation of the role played by important scientists from Matanzas; the current work approaches the deed of three important figures that left their imprint for the new generations: Juan Santos Fernández Hernández (1847-1922), Ángel Arturo Aballí Arellano (1880-1952) y José Isaac Corral Alemán (1882-1946), who were born in different points of the territory of Matanzas. hese scientists, in difficult political and economic conditions, were able of transcending the time and to mold with their undying example the generations of Cuban scientists succeeding them (AU).

Near-Road Exposure and Impact of Air Pollution on Allergic Diseases in Elementary School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE: The study aims to classify schools based on traffic pollutants and their complex sources, to assess the environment, to determine the state of allergic diseases among students using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in children (ISAAC) questionnaire, and to assess their connection to air pollutants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of seven schools were divided into three categories according to the characteristics of their surrounding environments: three schools in traffic-related zones, two schools in complex source zones I (urban), and two schools in complex source zones II (industrial complex). ISAAC questionnaires were administered and the 4404 completed questionnaires were analyzed. RESULTS: The frequency of asthma treatment during the past 12 months showed a significant increase (p<0.05) with exposure to NO2 [1.67, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.03-2.71] in the complex source zones. The frequency of allergic rhinitis treatment during the past 12 months increased significantly with exposure to Black Carbon (1.60, 95% CIs 1.36-1.90) (p<0.001), SO2 (1.09, 95% CIs 1.01-1.17) (p<0.05), NO2 (1.18, 95% CIs 1.07-1.30) (p<0.01) for all subjects. CONCLUSION: In terms of supporting children's health, care, and prevention related to major spaces for children, such as school zones, spaces used in coming to and leaving school, playgrounds, and classrooms are essential to ensuring not only the safety of children from traffic accidents but also their protection from local traffic pollutants and various hazardous environmental factors.

Rigidez muscular en el servicio de urgencias. A propósito de un caso / Muscular rigidity in the emergency room. A case report

El espectro de manifestaciones neurológicas en el paciente intoxicado es amplio, entre estas tenemos los trastornos del movimiento y dentro de los mismos se encuentran la rigidez el temblor, distonia aguda, diquinesias, mioclonias, corea, etc. Sabiendo que el hallazgo de éstos obedece a diferentes etiologías, dentro de las cuales están medicamentos, toxinas, trastornos metabólicos, infecciones y lesiones estructurales cerebrales, es importante tener un enfoque diagnóstico apropiado desde urgencias. A continuación revisaremos el caso de una paciente con rigidez muscular quien consultó a un servicio de urgencias. La importancia de este caso radica en que hasta la fecha no se encuentran casos reportados en la literatura donde se evidencien simultáneamente dos causas de alteraciones del movimiento como el síndrome de Isaac's y la intoxicación por estricnina.

The spectrum of neurological manifestations in the poisoned patient is wide. The different manifestations include movement disorders and within the same stiffness are tremor, acute dystonia, tardive dyskinesia, myoclonus, chorea, etc. These finding may be a consequence of different etiologies among which are drugs, toxins, metabolic disorders, infections, and structural brain lesions, it is important to have a proper diagnosis from the emergency approach. We review the case of a patient with muscular rigidity who consulted an emergency room. The importance of this case is that where simultaneously two causes of movement disorders as Isaac's syndrome and strychnine poisoning are evident are up to date.

Prevalence of asthma symptoms among adolescents in Brazil: National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE 2012) / Prevalência de sintomas de asma entre escolares do Brasil: Pesquisa Nacional em Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE 2012)

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the prevalence rates of asthma symptoms in Brazil, its Regions and State capitals, according to data from the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey, 2012. Furthermore, it aims to compare the prevalence of asthma in the capitals evaluated by PeNSE 2012 with previous results of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). METHODS: Cross sectional study of 9th grade students at public and private schools of all Brazilian states and the Federal District (Brasília). A self reported questionnaire containing items from the ISAAC was applied in order to identify the presence of asthma symptoms. RESULTS: The results of PeNSE indicate a high prevalence of asthma symptoms (23.2%) and of reports of a previous medical diagnosis of asthma (12.4%). Of the five state capitals in which the PeNSE results were compared to the ISAAC, São Paulo, Curitiba and Porto Alegre presented an increase in the prevalence of asthma symptoms. In Salvador, there was a reduction. CONCLUSION: Brazil is among the countries with the highest prevalence of asthma in the world, and the prevalence is still growing. .

OBJETIVO: Descrever as prevalências de sintomas de asma no Brasil, regiões e capitais, segundo a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE), 2012. Além disso, comparar tais prevalências nas capitais - identificadas na PeNSE 2012 - com resultados de estudos anteriores do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em que foram incluídos escolares do 9º ano de escolas públicas e privadas de todos os estados brasileiros e do Distrito Federal. Um questionário estruturado autoaplicável com questões do ISAAC foi utilizado para identificar a presença de sintomas de asma. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da PeNSE apontam para a alta prevalência de sintomas de asma (23,2%) e de relato de diagnóstico de asma no passado (12,4%). Entre as cinco capitais em que os resultados da PeNSE foram comparados com os do ISAAC, São Paulo, Curitiba e Porto Alegre apresentaram crescimento da prevalência de sintomas de asma ao longo dos inquéritos, e em Salvador houve uma redução. CONCLUSÃO: O Brasil está entre os países com mais altas prevalências de asma no mundo e esta prevalência ainda está em crescimento. .

Prevalência de sintomas de asma em adolescentes de São José - SC / Prevalence of asthma symptoms in adolescents of São Jose - SC

Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência e gravidade da asma em adolescentes escolares do município de São José - SC, através do questionário padronizado escrito módulo Asma do Estudo Internacional de Asma e Alergias na Infância "International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood" (ISAAC). Métodos: O questionário ISAAC foi aplicado em 2.367 adolescentes de 12 a 15 anos matriculados nas escolas de São José-SC. As escolas foram selecionadas aleatoriamente. Os alunos que participaram do estudo preencheram o questionário estruturado, o qual inclui perguntas sobre a presença passada (alguma vez na vida) e passada recente (últimos 12 meses) de asma. Resultados: A prevalência de sintomas de asma alguma vez na vida foi de 53% e no último ano foi de 24,3%. Destes, 8,4% apresentaram quatro ou mais crises de sibilos nos últimos 12 meses e 10% tiveram seu sono prejudicado por chiado no peito. Além disso, 13,3% apresentam a doença de forma grave. Quanto à asma diagnosticada, 11,1% afirmam alguma vez ter asma. Conclusão: A prevalência de sintomas de asma em adolescentes do município de São José foi de 24,3%, resultado superior ao de outras cidades de Santa Catarina e do Sul do Brasil. A gravidade da asma foi considerada leve para os adolescentes com sintomas da respectiva doença, concordando com dados de consensos nacionais e internacionais...

Prevalência de asma e doenças alérgicas em escolares da faixa etária de 12 a 15 anos do município de Maringá - PR / Prevallence of asthma and allergic diseases in brazilian school children aged 12 to 15 years in the city of Maringa, Parana State, Brazil

Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivos determinar a prevalência de asma e doenças alérgicas em escolares de 12 a 15 anos em Maringá; comparar os dados obtidos em relação ao sexo e tipo de escola; avaliar a gravidade e identificar os fatores de risco familiares e ambientais a elas associados. Método: Estudo transversal realizado empregando-se o protocolo ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) aos alunos das sétimas e oitavas séries. As escolas foram escolhidas por amostragem estratificada. Os dados de cada aluno foram transcritos para um banco de dados (Epi-Info). A análise das respostas às perguntas do questionário e do escore global de corte classificou o aluno como "doente" ou não, determinando a prevalência. Resultados: Foram adequadamente respondidos 3.057 questionários (retorno de 97%), por 2.036 alunos de 17 escolas públicas e 1021 de 8 escolas privadas, sendo 53,5% alunos do sexo feminino e 46,5% do sexo masculino. A prevalência da asma foi 15,6%; de rinite 42,4% e de eczema 10,9% pelo escore global de corte. A prevalência de sibilos, sintomas nasais sem resfriado e eczema nos últimos 12 meses foi de 14,5%, 36% e 6,9%, respectivamente. Conclusão: A prevalência de asma entre escolares de Maringá se apresenta na média nacional, porém com uma gravidade maior. Em relação à rinite a prevalência é alta, o mesmo não ocorrendo com o eczema atópico. Quanto ao domínio escolar, encontrou-se uma maior frequência nas escolas privadas e maior gravidade nas escolas públicas. Demonstrou-se, assim, a importância do aspecto social para essas doenças...

Prevalence of rhinitis symptoms among 16 to 18 years old adolescents in Saudi Arabia.

Objective. The present study was designed to estimate the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms among secondary school students in Saudi Arabia Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among children from secondary schools in the city of Riyadh. The study utilised the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) questionnaire. Results. Among the 3073 students (1504 boys and 1569 girls), the prevalence of life-time rhinitis, rhinitis in the past 12 months, and hay fever were 43.8%, 38.6% and 21.3%, respectively. There was a significant difference between boys and girls in the prevalence of life-time rhinitis (41% versus 46.5%, p=0.02) and the prevalence of rhinitis in the past 12 months (35.1% versus 41.9%, p=0.001). There was no significant difference between boys and girls in the prevalence of hay fever (22.5% versus 20.2%, p=0.144). The prevalence of asthma symptoms among students with life-time rhinitis and hay fever were 35.4% and 39.9%, respectively. Asthma symptoms were strongly linked with life-time rhinitis (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.5, p<0.001) and hay fever (OR=2.4, p value<0.001). Conclusions. The prevalence of rhinitis symptoms is high among 16 to 18 years old adolescents in Saudi Arabia, and symptoms are more common in girls compared to boys. Rhinitis symptoms are also associated with a high frequency of asthma symptoms.

Prevalência de asma em escolares de 6 e 7 anos de idade na cidade de Fortaleza, Brasil / Prevalence of asthma among 6-7 year-old schoolchildren in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de asma e de sintomas relacionados em escolares de 6 e 7 anos de Fortaleza, Brasil. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal, o questionário do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) foi aplicado a 2.020 crianças de escolas públicas e privadas, em 2010. Resultados: A prevalência de “sibilos cumulativos” (sibilos na vida) foi 52,6% e a de “sibilos nos últimos 12 meses” (asma ativa), 28,3%, enquanto a taxa de “asma diagnosticada” foi 12,4%. Para os sintomas associados à gravidade da asma, como “sibilos com limite da fala”, “quatro ou mais crises de sibilos no último ano” e “sono interrompido por sibilos uma ou mais noites por semana”, as prevalências foram, respectivamente, 4,1, 3,9 e 6,7%. A taxa de “sibilos pós-exercícios” foi 7,2%, e a de “tosse seca noturna” foi de 39,7%. Houve predomínio no gênero masculino, com significância estatística, de “sibilos cumulativos” (p < 0,001) e asma ativa (p = 0,04).“Sibilos com limite da fala”, “sono interrompido por sibilos uma ou mais noites por semana” e “sibilos pós-exercícios” predominaram no grupo das escolas públicas, comparado ao das escolas privadas (p = 0,002; p = 0,002; e p = 0,003, respectivamente). Conclusões: A prevalência de asma e de sintomas relacionados em escolares de 6 e 7 anos morando em Fortaleza mostrou-se elevada e acima da média nacional, com predomínio dos sintomas no gênero masculino e entre o grupo das escolas públicas, onde a asma também foi mais grave. Observou-se, ainda, que a asma é subdiagnosticada entre as crianças de 6 e 7 anos de Fortaleza.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of asthma and related symptoms among 6-7-year old schoolchildren in the city of Fortaleza, north eastern Brazil. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was applied to 2,020 schoolchildren attending public and private schools in 2010. Results: A prevalence of 52.6% was found for “wheeze ever” (lifetime wheeze), 28.3% for “wheeze within the last 12 months” (active asthma), and 12.4% for “asthma ever” (physician-diagnosed asthma). Symptoms associated with asthma severity, such as “speech-limiting wheeze,” “four or more wheezing attacksin the last 12 months,” and “sleep disturbed due to wheezing one or more nights a week,” showed prevalence rates of 4.1, 3.9, and 6.7%, respectively. The rate of “wheeze after exercise” was 7.2%, and that of “night cough,” 39.7%. “Wheezing ever” (p < 0.001) and active asthma (p = 0.04) were significantly more prevalent among males. Public school students showed higher prevalence rates of “speech-limiting wheeze,” “sleep disturbed due to wheezing one or more nights a week,” and “wheeze after exercise” (p = 0.002, p = 0.002, and p = 0.003, respectively) than children attending private schools. Conclusions: The prevalence of asthma and asthma-related symptoms among 6-7-year old schoolchildren was high – above the national average – in the city of Fortaleza, north eastern Brazil, especially in male students and in those attending public schools; asthma severity was also higher in these groups. We also observed that asthma is underdiagnosed in children aged 6-7 years in Fortaleza.

Prevalência de dermatite atópica em adolescentes escolares do município de Palhoça- SC / Prevalence of atopic dermatitis among adolescents at school in the city of Palhoça- SC

Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de dermatite atópicaem adolescentes de 13 e 14 anos da rede de ensino domunicípio de Palhoça-SC, utilizando o questionário escritopadronizado pelo International Study of Asthma andAllergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Métodos: Foi realizadoum estudo transversal, no qual foi utilizado o questionárioescrito módulo eczema em 407 adolescentes com idadesentre 13 e 14 anos, de ambos os sexos, matriculados nasescolas públicas e privadas do município de Palhoça-SC,selecionados por amostragem aleatória. Resultados: Aprevalência geral de sintomas de dermatite atópica foi de13,3% e a prevalência no último ano, indicando doençaativa, foi de 7,1%. Além disso, 2,5% apresentaram eczemaflexural, 5,9% tiveram suas lesões totalmente desaparecidasno último ano e 2,7% apresentaram eczema grave. Orelato de eczema ocorreu em 13,8% dos adolescentes. Nãohouve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os sexosem nenhuma das questões. Conclusões: A prevalênciade dermatite atópica no município de Palhoça-SC foi inferiora média estimada nacional.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitisamong adolescents aged 13 to 14 years fromPalhoça-SC educational system, using the written questionnairestandardized by the International Study ofAsthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out using the eczemamodule of the written questionnaire at 407 adolescents,aged 13 to 14 years, of both genres, enrolled in publicand private schools in the city of Palhoça-SC, selectedby random sampling. Results: The general prevalenceof symptoms of the atopic dermatitis was of 13,3% andthe last year prevalence for active illness was of 7,1%.Moreover, 2,5% of the students presented flexural eczema,5,9% had their lesions completely disappeared in thelast year and 2,7% have severe eczema. The eczema occurredin 13,8% of the adolescents. There was no statisticallysignificant difference between the genres in noneof the questions. Conclusions: The prevalence of atopicdermatitis in the city of Palhoça-SC was lower than thenational average.

Prevalência de asma e rinite em adolescentes escolares do município de Palhoça-SC / Prevalence of asthma and rhinitis in school adolescents of Palhoça- SC

Objetivos: determinar a prevalência e a gravidade de asma e rinite em estudantes adolescentes de 13 a 14 anos da cidade de Palhoça-SC, utilizando o questionário escrito padronizado pelo International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Métodos: estudo transversal que utilizou o questionário escrito módulo asma e rinite em 128 adolescentes com idades entre 13 a 14 anos, de ambos os sexos, matriculados nas escolas públicas e privadas de Palhoça, selecionados por amostragem aleatória. Resultados: foram obtidos 128 questionários: 55 (43,0%) de adolescentes do sexo masculino e 73 (57,0%), do sexo feminino. A prevalência indicando asma ativa, no último ano, foi de 20,3%; já a prevalência da doença diagnosticada alcançou 34,4%. A prevalência de rinite diagnosticada foi de 43%, sendo que 40,6% dos jovens relataram sintomas nasais nos últimos 12 meses. Conclusões: a prevalência de asma mostrou-se tão elevada quanto as mais altas encontradas no Brasil; já a prevalência de rinite encontra-se na média nacional. Ambas, asma e rinite, parecem ser subdiagnosticadas. Houve predomínio dos sintomas em ambas as doenças no sexo feminino.

Objectives: to determine the prevalence and the severity of asthma and rhinitis in 13 to 14 year old adolescent students in the city of Palhoça-SC, by using the written questionnaire standardized by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Method: transversal study that used the written questionnaire module asthma and rhinitis in 128 13 to 14 year old adolescents, both genders, enrolled in public and private schools of Palhoça, selected by randomized sampling. Results: 128 questionnaires were obtained: 55 (43.0%) of male adolescents and 73 (57%), female. The prevalence indicating active asthma, in the last year, was 20.3%; however, the prevalence of the disease diagnosed reached 34.4%. The prevalence of rhinitis diagnosed was 43%, with 40.6% of the teenagers reported nasal symptoms in the last 12 months. Conclusions: the prevalence of asthma showed itself to be as elevated as the highest ones found in Brazil; however, the prevalence of rhinitis remains within the national average. Both of them, asthma and rhinitis, seem to be underdiagnosed. There was a prevalence of the symptoms in both diseases in the female gender.

Prevalência de dermatite atópica em adolescentes escolares do município de São José - SC / Prevalence of atopic dermatitis in school adolescents in São José - SC

Objetivo: determinar a prevalência e a gravidade do eczema atópico em adolescentes escolares da cidade de São José-SC, utilizando o módulo eczema do questionário escrito do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC).Métodos: a população pesquisada consistia em adolescentes de 12 a 15 anos matriculados em escolas das redes públicas e privadas da cidade de São José-SC. As escolas foram selecionadas aleatoriamente, respeitando-se a proporção geográfica da distribuição dos alunos e por tipo de escola (pública e particular), e os alunos que, por meio dos pais ou responsáveis, aceitaram participar da pesquisa responderam o questionário.Resultados: a prevalência de eczema atópico foi de 13,2%, com predominância significativa do sexo feminino (p<0,001). A prevalência dos sintomas nos últimos 12 meses (doença ativa) foi de 8,8%, sem diferença significativa entre os sexos. Dentre os adolescentes com doença ativa, 45,1% apresentava lesões em locais característicos e 37,8% deles tiveram o sono perturbado devido ao prurido, não havendo diferença significativa entre os gêneros. Em 11,7% dos casos, os adolescentes reconheceram o termo eczema, o que sugere diagnóstico médico da doença antes da realização da pesquisa.Conclusões: foi possível determinar a prevalência de eczema atópico, seus sintomas e gravidade entre os adolescentes escolares de 12 a 15 anos da cidade de São José-SC, que foram semelhantes aos resultados encontrados em outras cidades brasileiras.

Is allergic rhinitis a trivial disease?

BACKGROUND: Asthma and rhinitis often coexist, which potentially increases the disease severity and can negatively impact a patients' quality of life. However, there are few reports based on data obtained from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood examining asthma severity in combination with rhinitisrelated symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate whether current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis are associated with the development of asthma or its increasing severity in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: The prevalence of current asthma was correlated with the prevalence of current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis in adolescents (13 to 14 year olds) from 16 Brazilian centers (based on Spearman's rank correlation index). The influence of current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis on asthma presentation was also evaluated using the chi-squared test and was expressed as odds ratios with 95 percent confidence intervals (95 percentCI). RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was observed between the prevalence of current asthma and current rhinitis (rs = 0.82; 95 percentCI: 0.60-0.93, p< 0.0001) and between the prevalence of current asthma and current rhinoconjunctivitis (rs = 0.75; 95 percentCI: 0.47-0.89, p < 0.0001). Current rhinitis was associated with a significantly increased risk of current asthma and of more severe asthma. Similar results were observed for current rhinoconjunctivitis. CONCLUSION: In this epidemiologic study of Brazilian adolescents, the presence of current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis was associated with a high risk of developing asthma and increased asthma severity. The mutual evaluation of rhinitis and asthma is necessary to establish an adequate treatment plan.

Ocular allergy in the Asia Pacific region

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) represents a spectrum of disorders, comprising seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC), atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Of these ocular allergy types, SAC and PAC are the most common. The most striking difference within this group of ocular diseases is that SAC and PAC remain self-limited without ocular surface damage, while AKC and VKC can compromise the cornea, causing ulcers and scarring and can ultimately lead to vision loss. Data on AC in the Asia Pacific is scarce however some understanding of prevalence of the condition has been obtained from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) studies and more recently from the Allergies in Asia Pacific study as well as some information from individual country surveys. Unfortunately none of this data has been collected using validated survey instruments specifically designed for AC. Surveys such as ISAAC have been predominantly concerned with respiratory allergic symptoms with questions added that incorporate some ocular symptoms. These questionnaires do not detect individuals who may have AC in the absence of allergic rhinitis. Using hospital ophthalmology outpatient populations for prevalence studies of ocular allergy immediately introduces a bias towards the more severe, complex forms of the condition as patients with the milder forms of SAR and PAR will rarely present to a hospital outpatient clinic. There is a real need for the development of validated questionnaires specifically addressing ocular allergy. There are no widely accessible studies examining prevalence of the complex forms of ocular allergy (AKC, VKC) in Asia Pacific region. This review will provide an overview of ocular allergy, its classification, clinical presentation and differential diagnosis, and will also discuss what is known about the epidemiology of ocular allergy in the Asian Pacific region.

Comparison of Prevalence and Risk Factors of Atopic Dermatitis by Physical Examination and Questionnaire Survey in Elementary School Children / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of determining the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) with a questionnaire by diagnosing AD with both a questionnaire and pediatricians' physical examinations and to determine the possible risk factors for AD. METHODS: A survey was conducted from December 2008 to February 2009 in four elementary schools. The Korean version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood written questionnaire (WQ) was used to identify AD ever and AD during the last 12 months. Current AD was diagnosed by well-trained pediatricians according to the Hanifin and Rajka's diagnostic criteria. A total of 2,729 children who completed the questionnaire and underwent a physical examination by pediatricians were included in this analysis. RESULTS: According to the WQ, the prevalence of AD in the entire life and in the last 12 months was 18.4% and 12.9%, respectively. The prevalence of clinically diagnosed AD by pediatricians was 8.8%. There was a significant positive relationship between the prevalence of AD diagnosed by physical examination and past history of allergic rhinitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.45), allergy history of the mother (aOR, 2.48), and AD history of the mother (aOR, 1.61). According to the WQ, there was also a significant positive relationship between the prevalence of AD in the last 12 months and past history of asthma (aOR, 2.55) and AD history of the mother (aOR, 1.71). CONCLUSION: Prevalence and risk factors of AD were different according to the survey methods. When prevalence of AD is determined with a questionnaire in the future, more careful attention should be used, because the result can be overestimated compared to the actual prevalence.

The prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in Korean children: Nationwide cross-sectional survey using complex sampling design

To investigate the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema, we did a cross-sectional survey of 4,003 children aged 6-7 years (students in the 1st year of elementary school) and 4,112 students aged 13-14 years (students in the 1st year of middle school), chosen from a random sample of 45 primary and 40 middle schools across the nation. The Korean-translated modified version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was used in this survey. The weighted 12-month prevalence of asthma symptoms from the questionnaires was 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.2 to 11.4) for children aged 6-7 years and 8.3% (95% CI, 7.4 to 9.2) for children aged 13-14 years. The weighted 12-month prevalence of allergic rhinoconjuctivitis symptoms was 18.9% (95% CI, 17.5 to 20.4) for children aged 6-7 years and 19.2% (95% CI, 17.9 to 20.6) for children aged 13-14 years. The weighted 12-month prevalence of eczema symptoms was 17.9% (95% CI, 16.6 to 19.3) for children aged 6-7 years and 11.2% (95% CI, 10.1 to 12.3) for children aged 13-14 years. Compared with results from a 2000 ISAAC study, the 12-month prevalence of asthma increased from 5.8% to 10.3% in children aged 6-7 years, but there was little change (from 8.7% to 8.3%) in children aged 13-14 years. The prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema has increased considerably in both age groups.

Prevalência de dermatite atópica em escolares adolescentes deCriciúma- SC

Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência e gravidade de dermatite atópica em adolescentes da cidade de Criciúma-SC, utilizando o questionário escrito módulo eczema do International Study of Asthma and Allergiesin Childhood (ISAAC). Métodos: O ISAAC foi aplicado aos adolescentes de13 a 14 anos matriculados nas escolas de Criciúma?SC. As escolas foram selecionadas aleatoriamente e os alunos que aceitaram participar da pesquisa preencheram o questionário escrito, o qual, além de informações demográficas, inclui perguntas sobre a presença passada (alguma vez) e passada recente (nos últimos 12 meses) de dermatite atópica. Resultados: A distribuição de meninos e meninas participantes foi equivalente (50,9% e 49,1%, respectivamente). A prevalência de sintomas de eczema atópico alguma vez na vida foi de 23,3% e no último ano foi de 13,2%. Destes, 46,3% apresentaram lesões nas dobras e 40,1% tiveram seu sono prejudicado pelo prurido. As meninas tiveram seu sono perturbado mais freqüentemente que os meninos (p<0,05). Do total de adolescentes do estudo, 8,6% tiveram suas lesões totalmente desaparecidas no último ano e 8,8% tiveram dermatite atópica (?diagnóstico médico?) alguma vez. Conclusões: Utilizando o questionário escrito do ISAAC foi possível determinar a prevalência de dermatiteatópica, seus sintomas e gravidade entre adolescentes de 13-14 anos na cidade de Criciúma?SC, que foi inferior aos resultados encontrados em outras cidades brasileiras.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of atopic eczema in adolescents from Criciuma-SC, using the written questionnaire eczema module of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood(ISAAC). Methods: The ISAAC was applied to the adolescents with 13 to 14 year-old registered in the schools of Criciuma?SC. The schools were randomly selected and students that agreed to participate in the study signed the written questionnaire which beyond demographic information includes questions about the presence (sometime) and recent past (in the last 12 months) of eczema. Results: The distribution of boys and girls participants was equivalent (50,1% and 49,9%, respectively). Theprevalence of symptoms of atopic eczema sometime in life was 23,3% and in last year was 13,2%. Between these one, 46,3% of them showed lesions in the folds and 40,1% had their sleep affected by pruritus. The girls had their sleep disturbed more often than boys (p<0,05). For 8,6% of all adolescents of the study, cutaneous lesions have completely disappeared in the last year, and 8,8% had eczema sometime (?medical diagnosis?). Conclusions: It was possible determine, by the ISAAC written questionnaire, the prevalence and severity of symptoms of atopic eczema between adolescents with 13 to14 year-old from the city of Criciuma-SC, that is inferior to the results found in other Brazilian cities.

Prevalência de asma em escolares de Alta Floresta - município ao sudeste da Amazônia brasileira / Prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren in a municipality in the southeast of the Brazilian Amazon

Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência e os sintomas relacionados à asma em escolares e adolescentes residentes em Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso. Método: Estudo transversal de base populacional da prevalência de asma em escolares de 6 e 7 anos de idade e adolescentes de 13 e 14 anos do município de Alta Floresta, MT, no ano de 2007. Foi utilizado o método padronizado do Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood - ISAAC, fase I, considerando como asmáticos aqueles estudantes que responderam afirmativamente à questão 2 - "presença de sibilos nos últimos 12 meses". RESULTADOS: Participaram da pesquisa 2.071 estudantes, dos quais 1.072 eram escolares (51,7 por cento) e 999 adolescentes (48,3 por cento). A prevalência de asma entre os escolares foi de 21,4 por cento, enquanto entre os adolescentes foi 12,4 por cento (χ2 = 29,29; ρ = 0,00). Os escolares apresentaram maior prevalência dos seguintes sintomas: sibilos alguma vez na vida (49,9 por cento), sibilos nos últimos 12 meses (21,4 por cento), de 1 a 3 crises de sibilos (16,4 por cento) e tosse seca noturna (38,2 por cento). Para diagnóstico médico de asma não houve diferença entre os dois grupos, situando-se em torno de 6,0 por cento. Os escolares do gênero masculino apresentaram maior prevalência de asma, asma diagnosticada por médico e freqüência de sibilos maior ou igual a 4 vezes nos últimos 12 meses (ρ < 0,05). Os adolescentes do gênero masculino apresentaram maior prevalência de sibilo forte dificultando a fala (ρ < 0,05). Conclusão: Alta Floresta está entre os municípios brasileiros com uma das maiores prevalências de asma da América Latina entre escolares na faixa etária de 6 e 7 anos de idade.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and symptoms of asthma in students of the Brazilian Amazon municipality of Alta Floresta-MT. Methods: Cross-sectional study on the prevalence of asthma in 6 and 7 year-old children and 13 to 14 year-old adolescents, using the Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood - ISAAC method, phase I in 2007. Students who answered affirmatively question 2 - "presence of wheezing in the past 12 months" were considered asthmatic. Results: Of the total 2,071 students, 1,072 (51.7 percent) were children and 999 (48.3 percent) were teenagers. The prevalence of asthma was 21.4 percent among schoolchildren, and 12.4 percent among adolescents (χ2 = 29.29; ρ = 0.00). Children presented a higher prevalence than adolescents of the following asthma symptoms: wheezing sometime in life (49.9 percent), wheezing in the past 12 months (21.4 percent), 1 to 3 wheezing attacks in the past 12 months (16.4 percent), and dry cough at night (38.2 percent). Regarding physician-diagnosed asthma, no difference was observed between the two age groups, with a prevalence of around 6.0 percent. Male schoolchildren presented a higher prevalence of asthma, physician-diagnosed asthma and four or more wheezing episodes in the past 12 months (ρ < 0.05). Male adolescents presented the highest prevalence of strong wheezing affecting speech (ρ < 0.05). Conclusion: Alta Floresta presents one of the highest prevalences of asthma in Latin America among schoolchildren in the 6 and 7 year-old age group.

Prevalence of bronchial asthma in rural indian children: A cross sectional study from south India.

Objective. To determine the prevalence and to study the socio-demographic correlates of bronchial asthma among children aged 6-15 yr in the rural field practice area of the department of Community Medicine at KMC, Manipal. Methods. This is a cross sectional community based study conducted by interviewing the parents of randomly selected 559 children in the age group of 6 – 15 yr using an International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Results. The prevalence of bronchial asthma was found to be 10.3%. The prevalence of asthma was higher among boys (12.1%). There was a significant inverse linear trend with increasing age. A statistically significant association of bronchial asthma with family history of asthma was also observed. There was no association of bronchial asthma with socioeconomic status or parents' literacy level. Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of bronchial asthma among children with a higher prevalence among boys. There were significant inverse linear association with increasing age and also with family history of asthma.