MEDICAL-TREATMENT OF ASTHMATIC-CHILDREN BEFORE REFERRAL TO A CLINIC FOR ALLERGY - A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE PERIODS 1979-83 AND 1988-91

The use of antiasthmatic agents in children before referral to a child ren's clinic for allergy was studied in two periods (1979-83 and 1988- 91). In the latter period, in contrast to the former, significantly mo re children were treated with peroral (73 and 43%, respectively) or in haled beta2-agonists (40 and 22%, respectively). In addition, consider ably more children in the latter than the former period were or had be en treated with inhaled steroids. On the other hand, most children use d these agents either in short courses (41%) or on demand (30%). We co nclude that, although there have been intensive educational programs s pecifically focusing on the proper use of antiasthmatic drugs during t he last 10 years, still more information is needed by general practiti oners.