Trends in the prevalence of asthma symptoms and allergic diseases in Israeli adolescents: results from a national survey 2003 and comparison with 1997.

PURPOSE: To investigate the temporal trends in the prevalence of asthma symptoms and allergies in Israeli adolescents.

METHODS

A modified version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was administered to a national sample of Jewish and Arab schoolchildren in Israel. The results were compared to a similar survey conducted in 1997.

RESULTS

Asthma prevalence was 7.0% in 1997 and 6.4% 2003 respectively (p = 0.1). Wheezing in the past 12 months decreased significantly from 17.9% in 1997 to 13.8% in 2003 (p < 0.001). Allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis increased from 9.4% to 10.5%, and from 5.9% to 8.7% respectively. The prevalence of allergic disease remained higher in Jewish compared with Arabs.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of asthma symptoms decreased in Israel from 1997 to 2003 while there was an increase in allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.