[Trends in consultations and prescriptions for children with COPD].

National data were provided on consultations (first, repeat) and prescriptions in patients having ambulatory care for asthma and COPD combined, by age group (0-4, 5-11, and 12-19 yr) and doctor's category (GP, specialist) over the period 1981-1990. Prescriptions were subdivided into (1) beta 2-agonists, anticholinergics, ketotifen, methylxanthines, cromoglycate, inhaled steroids, oral steroids, (2) antibiotics, (3) other drugs. Age specific rates/1000 persons/year were calculated. Rates for first consultations remained steady, pointing to a stable incidence. Rates for repeat consultations increased in the 0-4 yr age group (GP and specialist) and the 5-11 yr age group (specialist). Prescription rates for the pulmonary medication group also rose in particular in these two age groups. For the GP, however, they were counterbalanced by decreasing trends in prescriptions of the 'other drugs', pointing to a shift towards more rational treatment. The increased ratios of prescription rate to consultation rate, not only for the anti-inflammatory drugs but for the bronchodilators as well, especially in the specialist category, suggest an increased morbidity (severity) from obstructive airways disease in childhood.