We investigated the frequency of allergic disorders, the pattern of al
lergen sensitization and serum total IgE concentration in a population
-based sample of schoolchildren screened on the basis of respiratory s
ymptoms (N = 244). The children were classified on clinical grounds in
to three groups, asthma (N = 43), other symptoms from lower airways (O
SLA; N = 34) and control children (N = 167). The frequency of allergic
disorders (allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis or dermatitis) differed
significantly between children with asthma (81%), children with OSLA (
62%) and in control children (48%) (p < 0.001). The presence of at lea
st one positive skin prick test result was equally common in children
with asthma or OSLA (77%), but lower in control children (40%) (p < 0.
001). Serum total IgE concentrations did not differ between the three
groups. Two conclusions can be drawn: (i) there is a strong associatio
n between clinical allergy, skin reactivity and asthma in school age c
hildren, and (ii) a similar association is present between allergy and
asthma-like conditions.