Spectrum of childhood asthma in Galway.

We administered a questionnaire to the parents of 832 children in 4th class. 134 had wheezed in the previous 12 months. These children and matched controls were invited to attend for a brief clinical evaluation. 118 children with a history of wheeze and 118 age and sex matched wheeze free controls were seen. A brief questionnaire was administered. Heights and peak flow were measured. Children were assessed for the presence of chest deformity and eczema. There was a male predominance (1.7:1). Exercise induced symptoms were noted by 86% of children, but only 65% of parents in contrast, 65% of parents complained of night cough as against 28% of children. Over half had missed school because of asthma. Controls were asymptomatic. Height and peak flow measurements were similar in both groups. Chest deformity was evident in 25% of children with asthma, 8% had eczema and 27% were taking prophylactic medication. Childrens perception of asthma differs from that of their parents. School absence remains a problem and clinical evidence of hyper-inflation is common, though the absence of an overt effect on height and peak flow is encouraging.