J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2001 Aug;21(4):618-627.

Prevalence of adult asthma based on questionnaires and methacholine bronchial provocation test in Seoul

• Kim SH
• Lee JY
• Son SW
• Chang YS
• Jung JW
• Kim YK
• Cho SH
• Min KU
• Kim YY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There have been no reports concerning asthma prevalence in the Korean adult population using objective parameters such as methacholine bronchial provocation tests.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of asthma using an objective parameter, and the atopy rate in an adult population living in Seoul. METHOD: A total of 718 subjects (aged from 16 to 70 years) were enrolled in this study. They responded to a modified ATS respiratory questionnaire and underwent methacholine bronchial challenge and skin prick testing to common aeroallergens.
RESULTS
The prevalence of current asthma, based on the questionnaire and bronchial challenge, was 3.4%. The prevalences of current asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness were higher in subjects over 50 years of age than in those under 50 years of age. The atopy rate, based on the skin prick testing, was 26.9%, and common sensitizing allergens in decreasing frequency were Dermatophagoides farinae (15.5%), D. pteronyssinus (14.2%), Tyrophagus putrescentiae (5.9%), cockroach (5.0%) and Tetranychus urticae (4.9%).
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of current asthma and the rate of atopy in an urban adult population were 3.4% and 26.9%, respectively.

Keyword

asthma; bronchial hyperresponsiveness; atopy; adult; prevalence

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Allergens
Asthma*
Bronchial Provocation Tests*
Cockroaches
Dermatophagoides farinae
Humans
Methacholine Chloride*
Prevalence*
Seoul*
Skin
Surveys and Questionnaires
Allergens
Methacholine Chloride