PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN EASTERN FINLAND

The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of ast hma and asthma-related symptoms in Finland. We also wondered whether c hronic cough may be an indicator of occult asthma. Prevalence and char acteristics of children with doctor-diagnosed asthma and chronic respi ratory symptoms were investigated in 7-12 year old school children fro m eastern Finland by using a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, In addition, skin-prick tests, flow-volume spirometry, and serum total i mmunoglobulin E (IgE) measurements were performed in children reportin g chronic respiratory symptoms. The parent-reported prevalence of doct or-diagnosed asthma was 4.4%, of wheezing 5.4%, of attacks of shortnes s of breath with wheezing 4.6%, and of dry cough at night 12%, Childre n with dry cough only (n=195) had less frequent parental asthma, self- reported allergies, daily respiratory medication, and moisture stains or molds at home than asthmatic children (n=180), but these findings w ere more frequent than among asymptomatic children (n=2,169), The prev alence of at least one positive skin-prick test result was 79% among t he asthmatic children and 55% among children with dry cough only, Ther e were no differences between the two symptom groups in serum total Ig E levels and spirometric lung functions, except in maximal mid-expirat ory flow (MMEF) values, which were significantly lower among children with asthmatic symptoms. The present results support the hypothesis th at chronic cough may be an indicator of occult asthma, Therefore, to i mprove the sensitivity of respiratory questionnaires designed to detec t asthma, they should also include questions on chronic cough, In cont rast to what has been suggested previously, the prevalence of childhoo d asthma in eastern Finland was similar to the prevalences reported fr om other parts of Finland and from other Western European countries.