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Document Details :

Title: Changes in respiratory and allergic symptoms on schoolchildren from 1996 to 2002, results from the ISAAC surveys in Antwerp (Belgium)
Author(s): VELLINGA A, DROSTE JHJ, VERMEIRE PA, DESAGER K, DE BACKER WA, NELEN VJ, WEYLER JJ
Journal: Acta Clinica Belgica
Volume: 60    Issue: 5   Date: 2005   
Pages: 219-225
DOI: 10.2143/ACB.60.5.2050470

Abstract :






Two cross sectional surveys (1995/1996 and 2001/2002) were carried out according to the ISAAC protocol among 6-7 and 13-14 year old schoolchildren in Antwerp, Belgium. A total of 8244 children participated in 1996 and 8159 children in 2002. No significant differences in current prevalence of asthma and asthma medication was found in 6-7-year-olds and 13-14 year old girls. Significantly less asthma and asthma medication was reported by 13-14 year old boys in 2002. Symptoms of wheeze had lower occurrence in all groups in 2002, which was significant for older age group. Current prevalence of rash was significantly higher in the 6-7 year olds in 2002. No such increase was found for rash in the older age groups but they reported significantly more rhinitis. No differences were found between urban and suburban Antwerp in either survey. No clear changes in the occurrence of asthma were found for school children in Antwerp while wheeze was reported less in 2002 compared to 1996. Allergic disorders had higher occurrences in schoolchildren in 2002.