Résumé
The objectives of this work are to find out prevalence, symptoms and triggering factors of bronchial asthma in children in Gadariff area, East Sudan using ISAAC [International study of asthma and allergy in children] questionnaire, then to validate asthma diagnosis with ISAAC questionnaire using pulmonary function tests. This is a randomized cross-sectional study performed in Gadarif area, Eastern Sudan on 456 pupils, with age of 13-14 years, in the period 2004 to 2005. International study of asthma and allergy in children [ISAAC] questionnaire was filled by the pupils with assistance. It covered the personal data, symptoms of asthma, allergies and allergic rhinitis in the past year, family history and environmental factors. Pulmonary function tests were performed for confirmation of asthma in those who claimed to have symptoms. Prevalence of asthma symptoms [wheeze hearing] depending on ISAAC questionnaire was 6.3%. Prevalence after validation with pulmonary function tests was 5.03% with a questionnaire validity of 79.84%. Incidence of wheeze was 5.5% in the last year. In the asthmatic group, 15.1% had exercise induced wheeze, 27.8% had night cough without respiratory tract infection. 33.3% had sneezing without cold infection and in 47.9% the nasal problems were associated with tears. The daily activities were affected in 57.5%. Nasal problems were increased by dust, pollen grains and animals. Skin rash occurred in 82.4% during the past 12 months and disappeared completely in 76.6% of the children. Correlations were found between wheeze hearing and pollen grains, bats, cars dust and home animals. Statistically significant correlation were found between wheeze and smoking of others at home [p=0.01] and with anger [p=0.045]. Prevalence of asthma in Gadarif school children using ISAAC1 questionnaire was also associated to 6.3% with a validity of 79.82%. Wheeze was directly related to nasal problems, associated with tears and related to the chronic exposure to animals, plants and dust. Incidence of asthma has a significant direct correlation with smoking and anger