[Prevalence of bronchial asthma in 7 years -old children in Cluj-Napoca, an ISAAC study].

The authors studied the prevalence of asthma in children of 7 years from Cluj Napoca and analyzed the possible risk factors. We used the questionnaire elaborated by International Study on Asthma and Allergic Diseases in Children (ISAAC) which allowed the comparison of our data with those from other countries. Anamnesis, functional tests and allergic skin tests were performed in children with positive answers for questionnaire. 1334 children completed the study, 52.5% being males. Prevalence of asthma diagnosed previous to the questionnaire was of 5.7%, and it was higher in males (6.1%). By anamnesis, functional and skin tests data the diagnosis of asthma was made in a total of 217 children, so that the real prevalence of asthma is of 16.3% in this age group. Maternal smoking during the first year of life was significantly higher in children with wheezing. The high number of respiratory tract infections in the first year of life could also play a role. In conclusion, prevalence of asthma diagnosed in children of 7 years of age from Cluj Napoca is of 5.7% with a real prevalence of disease that seems to be much higher, of 16.3%. Maternal smoking represents a risk factor correlated with wheezing.