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 Medimurje 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 Medimurje County in the prevalence of all symptoms associated with atopic diseases: Asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis. (C) 2021 Codon Publications. Published by Codon Publications.

Automated summary

The study conducted in Medimurje County, Northwestern Croatia, showed a significant increase in the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis among children aged 12-14 years over 8 years. When comparing the age group 12-14 years in 2005 with the age group 18 years in 2013, there was also a significant increase in symptoms of these atopic diseases.