Prevalence of bronchial asthma among primary school children in Menoufia

ABSTRACT

Three of shebin El-Koum Primary Schools were surveyed, the sample size was 2958 children [1525 males and 1433 females] aged 6-13 years. All children were screened for chest wheezing symptoms by an Arabic Language questionnaire. 65 cases of bronchial asthma were detected and assessed individually with 100 normal controls. Physical examination basic spirometry with a mini-wright Peak Flow Meter, blood sampling [total lencocytic count absolute eosinophilic count] and intradermal allergy tests were performed to each asthmatic as well as control children. Stools and urine analysis and X-Ray chest were done as routine examinations. The prevalence of bronchial among the three primary school children was 2.20% and there was no statistically significant differene between both sexes. The age group 8-10 years was the most affected sector of the sample. The leading allergen in different age group was house dust [91.43%]. Followed by mites [83,33%] then pollens [80%] then moulds [50%], the comments predisposing factors were upper respiratory tract infection then exposure to dust