Abstract
Aim and Methods: Environmental exposure in eastern (Leipzig (L)) and western (Munich (M)) Germany of SO2 and particulate matters differs by factor of 30 and 10 respectively. We studied cross-sectionally n=7445 children in M and n=1429 in L (age 9-11 years) for prevalence of asthma and allergies with a parental self administered questionnaire (Q) and a cold air challenge to test for bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR).
Results. Response rates were 87% in M and 75% in L. 89% in M and 92% in L of responding subjects were screened for BHR (postchallenge drop of FEV1 >9%). According to Q the parents gave doctor diagnoses and self reported symptoms: (*p<0.05)
BHR was obtained in 6.4% of children in M and 5.5% of children in L.
Conclusion. We suggest that in L a thirty-fold elevated level of London-type smog increases the prevalence of bronchitic symptoms significantly without affecting BHR and allergic manifestation.
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Mutius, E., Fritzsch, C., Weiland, S. et al. PREVALENCE OF ASTHMA AND ALLERGIC DISEASE IN THE UNITED GERMANY. Pediatr Res 32, 609 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00027
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00027