Genetics of parentally reported asthma, eczema and rhinitis in 5-yr-old twins.

The aim of the present study was to examine the genetic and environmental contributions to the individual differences in susceptibility to asthma, eczema and rhinitis in childhood and their role in the association among these conditions. Information on asthma, eczema and rhinitis was obtained by parental report. Parents were asked whether a physician had ever diagnosed the condition. Complete data were available for 8,633 5-yr-old twin pairs born between 1986 and 1998. The frequency of parentally reported asthma, eczema and rhinitis was 8.7, 16.8 and 4.4%, respectively, and was higher in males... Mehr ...