Prevalence of asthma and asthma symptoms in children in urban Lebanon
Ramadan, F.M.; Mroueh, S.M.; Khoury, M.N.; Hajjar, T.A.; Khogali, M.
Saudi Medical Journal 20(6): 453-457
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5284 PMID: 27632654 Document Number: 509518
Objective: Childhood asthma is a serious problem in Beirut, Lebanon. This study was conducted to measure the prevalence and severity of asthma among school children aged 13-14 years living in Beirut. Methods: The core and video questionnaire developed by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood were translated to Arabic and administered to 2059 school children aged 13-14 years of both sexes. Results: Wheezing, during the previous 12 months was 14%, while the prevalence of wheeze-ever was 23%. Post exercise wheezing was self-reported by 16% and asthma by 12%. Those who had symptoms suggestive of severe asthma was 5%. Conclusion: The prevalence of asthma in Lebanese children aged 13-14 years was lower than that reported from developed countries; but the prevalence of severe asthma was higher. No significant differences were observed due to sex or socio-economic status.