Trends in the prevalence of asthma symptoms and allergic diseases in Israeli adolescents: results from a national survey 2003 and comparison with 1997.

PURPOSE: To investigate the temporal trends in the prevalence of asthma symptoms and allergies in Israeli adolescents.

METHODS: A modified version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was administered to a national sample of Jewish and Arab schoolchildren in Israel. The results were compared to a similar survey conducted in 1997.

RESULTS: Asthma prevalence was 7.0% in 1997 and 6.4% 2003 respectively (p = 0.1). Wheezing in the past 12 months decreased significantly from 17.9% in 1997 to 13.8% in 2003 (p < 0.001). Allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis increased from 9.4% to 10.5%, and from 5.9% to 8.7% respectively. The prevalence of allergic disease remained higher in Jewish compared with Arabs.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma symptoms decreased in Israel from 1997 to 2003 while there was an increase in allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.