Time trends in asthma and atopic diseases in North-West part of Croatia-ISAAC Phase III (2013).

AIM: The authors conducted two cross-sectional studies 8 years apart with the aim of assessing temporal trends in the prevalence of asthma and atopic diseases in Međimurje County, Northwestern Croatia.

METHODS

Studies were conducted in children aged 12 years 0 months to 14 years 11 months in 2005 and in 2013; additionally, in adolescents aged 18 years in 2013 according to the international study on asthma and allergies protocol.

RESULTS

In the age group 12-14 years, a significant increase in the prevalence of asthma (5.1% vs 8.31%), allergic rhinitis (10.86% vs 16.24%), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (7.14% vs 10.95%) and atopic dermatitis (5.34% vs 8.12%) was observed. When the age group 12-14 years in 2005 was compared with the age group 18 years in 2013, a significant increase in symptoms of asthma (5.1% vs 11.5%), allergic rhinitis (10.86% vs 19.59%), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (7.14% vs 14.25%), and atopic dermatitis (5.34% vs 7.69%) was observed.

CONCLUSION

This study shows an increasing trend in Međimurje County in the prevalence of all symptoms associated with atopic diseases: Asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis.