A study of asthma in a Dunedin suburban area
McQueen, F.; Holdaway, M.D.; Sears, M.R.
New Zealand Medical Journal 89(635): 335-338
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 287946 Document Number: 153393
Asthma was reported by 6.2 percent of 2347 inhabitants of a Dunedin residential area. Symptoms occurred within the past two years in 4.2 percent. In this group the majority showed evidence of atopy by skin reactivity and elevation of serum immunoglobulin E. Airways obstruction was detected by spirometry in 62 percent and 56 percent demonstrated increased bronchial reactivity to histamine aerosols. Less than half used bronchodilator aerosols for relief and only 18 per cent were treated with prophylactic disodium cromoglycate.