Asthma in adults: comparison of adult-onset asthma with childhood-onset asthma relapsing in adulthood

The prevalence of asthma in children and young adults is rising. Although t he general features of asthma are similar in children and adults, there are several differences. Studies of the differences between childhood- and adu lt-onset asthma may provide new insight into the phenotypic heterogeneity o f asthma. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare the characte ristics of asthmatic adults who reported having (n = 84) or not having (n = 235) asthma in childhood. The participating patients were recruited by che st specialists throughout France and were examined from March to November 1 995. The specialists completed a standardized questionnaire, and carried ou t a clinical examination and spirometric tests. Male sex; greater severity, particularly lower spirometry values related to small airways; greater sev erity and earlier onset of allergy; and maternal history of atopic dermatit is and perennial rhinitis were found to be associated with reported childho od asthma. This study exhibits highly internally consistent results and ind icates that subjects who did have childhood asthma and relapse in adulthood appeared to have a potentially more severe form of asthma.