The European Community Respiratory Health Survey: what are the main results so far?

Citation
C. Janson et al., The European Community Respiratory Health Survey: what are the main results so far?, EUR RESP J, 18(3), 2001, pp. 598-611
Citations number
104
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems","da verificare
Journal title
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
ISSN journal
09031936 → ACNP
Volume
18
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
598 - 611
Database
ISI
SICI code
0903-1936(200109)18:3<598:TECRHS>2.0.ZU;2-L
Abstract
The European Community Respiratory Heath Survey (ECRHS) was the first study to assess the geographical variation in asthma and allergy in adults using the same instruments and definitions. The database of the ECRHS includes i nformation from similar to 140,000 individuals from 22 countries. The aim o f this review is to summarize the results of the ECRHS to date. The ECRHS has shown that there are large geographical differences in the pr evalence of asthma, atopy and bronchial responsiveness, with high prevalenc e rates in English speaking countries and low prevalence rates in the Medit erranean region and Eastern Europe. Analyses of risk factors have highlight ed the importance of occupational exposure for asthma in adulthood. The ass ociation between sensitization to individual allergens and bronchial respon siveness was strongest for indoor allergens (mite and cat). Analysis of tre atment practices has confirmed that the treatment of asthma varies widely b etween countries and that asthma is often undertreated. In conclusion, the European Community Respiratory Health Survey has shown t hat the prevalence of asthma varies widely. The fact that the geographical pattern is consistent with the distribution of atopy and bronchial responsi veness supports the conclusion that the geographical variations in the prev alence of asthma are true and most likely due to environmental factors.