PREVALENCE OF BRONCHIAL-ASTHMA IN SCHOOLCHILDREN IN OSLO, NORWAY - COMPARISON OF DATA OBTAINED IN 1993 AND 1981

In 1993, 4521 schoolchildren in Oslo, Norway, participated in a Europe an study on air pollution and respiratory health. Incorporated in the primary questionnaire were five questions taken from a study performed 12 years earlier on 1772 schoolchildren in the same city. The respons e rate was 85% in 1993 vs 95% in 1981. The current and cumulative prev alences of doctor-diagnosed asthma in 1993 were 4.2% and 8.0%, respect ively, compared to 2.2% (P<0.01) and 3.4% (P<0.01) in 1981. Attacks of breathlessness during the last 3 years were experienced by 7.1% in 19 93 and 3.3% in 1981 (P<0.05). Wheezing or breathlessness on exposure t o pollen in 1993 and 1981 was reported by 6.1% and 3.7% (P<0.01), resp ectively; to animals by 4.0% and 2.8% (P<0.05); and to exercise by 10. 2% and 4.8% (P<0.01). The prevalence of occasional wheezing and the cu mulative prevalence of doctor-diagnosed eczema, urticaria, and hay fev er were not significantly altered. To summarize, a higher prevalence o f both doctor-diagnosed asthma and symptoms of obstructive airways dis ease was reported by children attending primary school in Oslo in 1993 than 12 years earlier. No increase was observed in the prevalence of other atopic diseases.