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 ...