RESUMEN
Bronchial asthma [BA] is a leading cause of chronic illness in childhood. It is considered the most prevalent chronic condition in children responsible for a significant proportion of both acute and chronic illness and also school absenteeism. The aim of the present work was to determine the prevalence of BA in school children aged 6-14 years in Alexandria, and to reveal some epidemiological features. A representative sample of children [2336] of the target population was surveyed by using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using pre-designed questionnaire to be fulfilled by the parents of the child. All asthmatic children detected were included in the study and subjected to thorough history, and clinical examination, x-ray chest, pulmonary function test and samples of them were subjected to bronchial challenge testing. The prevalence rate of asthmatic children aged 6-14 years in Alexandria was 18% in scholastic year 2001-2002. The prevalence rate for males and females were 9.6% and 8.4% respectively, which was not statistically significant [P=0.936]. There was a decrease of asthma incidence and severity with increasing age but this was not statistically significant [P=0.707]. Also, socioeconomic status did not influence the prevalence rate of asthma in the present work. Most children have their asthma exacerbations during cold weather [P=0.047]. The prevalence of asthma was not influenced be the district. Although severe persistent asthma increased in low socioeconomic districts [Borg EI-Arab, and El-Gomrok] but this was not statistically significant
Conclusion: The prevalence rate of BA among school children aged 6-14 years in Alexandria has increased dramatically during the last 25 years to reach 18% in the scholastic year 2001-2002. Asthma exacerbations increased significantly during cold weather. Although severe persistent asthma increased in EI-Gomrok and Borg AI-Arab districts, but this was not statistically significant. Sixty percent of cases of asthmatic children in this study were cases of persistent asthma which are in need for maintenance therapy. Twenty eight percent of cases are under diagnosed due to lack of knowledge about this disease. Asthma in not influenced by sex or age but affect both sex and all age