Trends in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and treatment in Dutch children over a 12 year period: results of the fourth consecutive survey

Background: Although there is considerable evidence that the prevalence of childhood asthma has increased over the last decades, it is not clear if this trend is still ongoing. A study was undertaken to investigate whether previously observed trends in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, physician visits, medication use, and absence from school in Dutch children aged 8–9 years persisted in 2001. Methods: Parents of 1154 children aged 8–9 years eligible for a routine physical examination in 2001 were asked to complete a questionnaire on the respiratory health of their child. Results: In 200... Mehr ...