| Popis: |
INTRODUCTION: Allergic diseases are highly prevalent in Pakistan. The ISAAC Study (International Study on Asthma and Allergy in Childhood) conducted in Islamabad in 2002, has reflected this high prevalence in children. However, the high rate of under-diagnosis and possible misdiagnosis underlines the need for creating more awareness about these conditions in health care professionals of all levels. METHODS: 4,021 school children belonging to the age groups of 6–7 and 4,078 belonging to the age group of 13–14 years, were randomly selected and ISAAC questionnaires imparted to the parents of younger children (6–7 years) while filled by the children themselves in the elder (13–14 years) age group. RESULTS: Symptoms suggestive of asthma were present in 314 (7.8%) of younger children, but only 136 (3.4%) were diagnosed as asthmatics. Similarly 657 (16.2%) of elder children had asthma symptoms, but only 238 (5.8%) were diagnosed. 1073 (26.7%) of younger children and 2551 (62.7%) of elder children had a history of nasal problems in their lifetime, but more, i.e. 75.1% of younger and 73.3% of elder children were diagnosed to suffer from seasonal allergies. Similarly 381 (9.5%) of younger and 750 (18.5%) of elder children have suffered from symptoms suggestive of eczema, but only 3.1% of younger and 6% of elder children were actually diagnosed to suffer from eczema, by any medical practitioner. DISCUSSION: These results show clearly that asthma and eczema have been grossly under-diagnosed or missed, while rhinitis has correspondingly been over-diagnosed. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive awareness and proper diagnosis in order to institute effective preventative and treatment strategies. Conflict of interest and funding None declared. |
