Self-reported prevalence of childhood allergic diseases in three cities of China: a multicenter study

Abstract

BackgroundSeveral studies conducted during the 1990s indicated that childhood allergic diseases were increasing worldwide, but more recent investigations in some Western countries have suggested that the trend is stabilizing or may even be reversing. However, few data are available on the current status of allergic disease prevalence in Chinese children. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence rates of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema in children of three major cities of China, to determine the status of allergic diseases among Chinese children generally, and to evaluate the prevalence of allergic diseases in children of different ages.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey between October 2008 and May 2009 in three major cities of China (Beijing, Chongqing, and Guangzhou) to evaluate the prevalence rates of childhood allergic diseases including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema, using a questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) group. A total of 24,290 children aged 0-14 years were interviewed, using a multi-stage sampling method. To acquire data on children aged 3-14 years, we visited schools and kindergartens. To access children too young to attend school or kindergarten, we extended our survey to community health service centers. Each questionnaire was completed by a parent or guardian of a child after an informed consent form was signed.ResultsOf the 24,290 children in our study, 12,908 (53.14%) were males and 11,382 (46.86%) females; 10,372 (42.70%) were from Beijing, 9,846 (40.53%) from Chongqing, and 4,072 (16.77%) from Guangzhou. Our survey indicated that in Beijing, Chongqing, and Guangzhou, the prevalence rates of asthma were 3.15%, 7.45%, and 2.09%, respectively; the rates of allergic rhinitis were 14.46%, 20.42%, and 7.83%; and the rates of eczema were 20.64%, 10.02%, and 7.22%. The prevalence of allergic diseases varied with age. Asthma was relatively less common both in children aged under 2 years, and in those aged 9 years or more, in each of the three cities. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was also lower in children younger than 2 years. The prevalence of eczema fell with age.ConclusionsA marked increase in the prevalence rates of allergic diseases in China (compared with earlier data) was evident. Further studies exploring the precise causes of this increase are warranted.

Ten cities cross-sectional questionnaire survey of children asthma and other allergies in China

“…In comparison with earlier studies, the prevalences of parentally reported wheeze, rhinitis and eczema, and parentally reported doctor-diagnosed asthma were high, indicating increased prevalences of these symptoms and diseases. Other recent studies [4,[46][47][48][49][50][51]are in agreement with these findings.…”

“…China, a developing country, is experiencing rapid and dramatic changes in indoor environment exposures due to its rapid modernization and urbanization. National surveys of asthma in Chinese children aged 0-14 years in 1990 and 2000 by the Childhood Asthma Collaborative Group of China [41] as well as a number of other studies indicate that asthma and allergies have increased in China [4,7,[42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51]. However, information about indoor exposure has been included to only a small extent and in only a few studies [52,53].…”

Increasing prevalence of asthma and allergy in Beijing pre-school children: Is exclusive breastfeeding for more than 6 months protective?

“…The 1990, 2000, 2008 and present cross-sectional surveys all used the ISAAC group's questionnaire for asthma and related symptoms [31]. Surveys in 1990 [11], 2000 [12], 2008 [13] and 2011 (Table 2) found asthma rates of 0.78%, 2.05%, 3.15% and 6.30% in Beijing, respectively. Figure 6 shows the parallel increasing trends for 3-6 year old children (R 2 = 0.96) and 6 year old children (R 2 = 0.87).…”

“…A national survey of 438000 children from 0 to 14 years old in 43 cities in 2000 indicated that the average level of physician-diagnosed asthma was 1.97% [10], which is a 64% increase over what had been reported in a 1990 survey conducted in the same manner. In Beijing, surveys performed in 1990 [11], 2000 [12] and 2008 [13] found the prevalences of physician-diagnosed asthma to be 0.78%, 2.05% and 3.15%, respectively, in children aged 0-14 years old.…”

Follow-up Formula Consumption in 3- to 4-Year-Olds and Respiratory Infections: An RCT

“…37 The prevalence of allergic diseases reported in 3-to 4-year-old children in China is lower than the prevalence in some Western countries, especially for asthma (2.2%-9.7%), although it is increasing. 38 It has been a matter of debate whether exposure to early infections is a risk or a protective factor against later allergic disease. The existence of siblings or day-care attendance are proxy variables for early exposure to infections and have been identified as protective against allergy and asthma at 3 to 4 years of age, according to the hygiene hypothesis.…”