Childhood asthma in a rural county

Abstract
As part of a questionnaire study of allergic diseases in Swedish children, information about asthma reported in a rural county was evaluated. Of a total population of approx. 9,000 children 4, 7, 10 and 14 years of age, 5.1% reported a history of asthma and 2.4% reported symptoms during the last year. The incidence was highest during the first 2 years of life. A higher incidence in boys than in girls was found only during the first 4 years of life. Cessation of symptoms was most common in children with onset during the first 2 years of life. By checking the medical case records, a high accuracy of the reported information was confirmed.