Prevalence of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis and Eczema Symptoms among 13-14 Year-old School Children in Yazd in 2003

One of the most common diseases in children is allergic diseases. The prevalence and severity of allergic diseases are widely different worldwide. The aim of the present study was to study the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema symptoms among school children in 13-14 years old age group in Yazd. The prevalence and severity of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema symptoms were determined among 3060 school children aged 13-14 years old. The parameters of measurements were based on International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The results showed the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema symptoms were 20.3, 42.7 and 14.8% respectively. Prevalence of ever wheezing was higher in boys than girls. Eczema symptoms were more prevalent in girls. Prevalence of eczema and allergic rhinitis symptoms in our study are more than other cities of Iran. Education of the children and their parents on the necessary change of life styles may help in decreasing these problems.