ABSTRACT
Epidemiological surveys demonstrate the rapid increase in allergic diseases all over the world. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of allergic diseases among school children living in Sosnowiec. In 2001 (grant from the Polish Scientific Research Committee KBN 4PO5D 08619) using the epidemiological studies ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) and CESAR (Central European Study on Air Pollution and Respiratory Health), we carried out a cross-sectional study on 2000 children (519 children 6-7 yrs old and 1481 children 13-14 yrs old) living in the city of Sosnowiec. The assessment of respiratory and allergic health status was done by use of ISAAC/CESAR questionnaire. A diagnosis of asthma was reported in 5.0% of the 6-7 yrs old children and 3.6% of the 13-14 yrs old children; the prevalence of wheezing: 22.5% and 16.5% respectively; the prevalence of pollen allergy: 10.3% and 10.8% respectively. Our study suggested that prevalence of allergic diseases may reach 30% in the population of school children in Sosnowiec.
