Prevalence of asthma in children, adolescents and young adults in Poland - results of the ECAP study

Introduction. Over the last few decades the prevalence of allergic diseases has dramatically increased. This situation makes it necessary to conduct international, standardized, randomized epidemiological studies. Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of bronchial asthma in Poland. Material and methods. The study was conducted with the use of a translated and validated questionnaire survey developed for international ECRHS II and ISAAC studies. The study was performed in 9 selected regions in Poland (8 urban regions and 1 rural region). The respondents were obtained from a random multistage selection and they were proportionally stratified on the basis of their PESEL (Identification Number) operator. The completed questionnaires were collected from 18,617 respondents and nearly 25% of them subsequently underwent a medical examination. Results. Asthma was self-reported in 4.72% of the subjects and was diagnosed in 11% of subjects after the ECAP medical examination. Wheezing and whistling during the past 12 months was reported by 12.4% of adults and in the whole life by 18.8% of children, 16.1% of adolescents. The association between asthma and allergic rhinitis was declared by 73.6% of patients. Conclusions. Asthma is a prevalent disease in the Polish population and should be considered a significant social problem. Measures for early detection and prevention of asthma should be introduced.