Asthma and rhinitis in schoolchildren: the impact of allergic sensitization to aeroallergens
Crimi, P.; Minale, P.; Tazzer, C.; Zanardi, S.; Ciprandi, G.
Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology 11(2): 103-106
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1018-9068 PMID: 11642567 Document Number: 536083
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of asthma and rhinitis in schoolchildren living in the Genoa, Italy by using a validated questionnaire and to investigate the prevalence of sensitizations using skin prick tests. An ATS modified questionnaire was given to 781 schoolchildren (all of them aged between 11 and 14 years) resident in the Genoa area . The main outcome of the present survey demonstrates a high prevalence of sensitized children (40.7%). Asthma and rhinitis prevalences were very high, mainly concerning the lifetime diagnosis. Actual asthma prevalence is about 6%, confirming ISAAC results, but rhinitis prevalence was notably higher and there was no difference between seasonal and perennial forms. Mites were the most important cause of sensitization and pollens were more frequently the cause of polysensitization. A distinct percentage of the asthmatic children and a higher percentage of rhinitic children were nonallergic. On the other hand, about one third of the sensitized children were without symptoms: They may be considered as subjects at risk of developing clinical respiratory diseases later. In conclusion, this study shows the importance of evaluating the existence of atopy, since there are many subjects with asthma and rhinitis who are nonallergic, and subjects at risk of developing respiratory allergies may be detected.