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Introduction: Global epidemiological studies have revealed considerable geographical differences in prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD). Aim: To present the epidemiology of AD, risk factors and co-occurrence of allergic diseases in the Polish population. Material and methods: The present paper is a part of the Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland study. We studied 22 703 participants by ECRHS/ISAAC questionnaire; 18 617 (53.8% female, 24.2% 6-7 y.o., 25.4% 13-14 y.o., 50.4% 20-44 y.o.) completed questionnaires were accepted. Four thousand seven hundred and eighty-three participants (25.7%) have undergone a medical examination. Results: Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 3.91% (6-7 y.o. 5.34%, 13-14 y.o. 4.3%, adults 3.02%), more often in females (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.56-0.77), in the cities (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.61-3.09), in mothers (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.72-2.48) and fathers (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.61-2.49) with atopy, higher education (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.11-2.32) and economic status (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.04-1.74). The highest prevalence was found in Katowice (4.89%) and lowest in rural areas (1.9%). Coexisting AD and allergic rhinitis (AR) was found in 26.17%, AR and asthma in 9.09% and AD, AR and asthma in 14.6%. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed by allergologists in 6.5% (6-7 y.o. 8.7%, 13-14 y.o. 9.0%, adults 3.6%). Most diagnoses were made in Poznan (16.76%) and smallest in rural area (3.67%). 78.8% of subjects were diagnosed with AD for the first time although they had earlier experienced its symptoms. Conclusions: Atopic dermatitis prevalence in Poland is below the mean rate for Europe, but the risk factor profile is similar to other countries. Atopic dermatitis is more frequent in well-educated females with atopic parents and high socioeconomic status and who live in a city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Data on the importance of sensitization in atopic dermatitis (AD) is controversial. It is the question which AD is atopic disease. Aim. To analyze the impact of sensitization to aeroallergens in AD. Is there a similar pattern of sensitization in patients with AD, allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma? Material and methods. We studied 4783 participants (29.46% 6-7 yo, 27.98% 13-14 yo, 22.73% adults) in 8 urban and 1 rural area. Allergologist diagnosed AD based on Hanifin-Rajka's criteria. Skin prick tests (SPT) was performed with the 15 most common aeroallergens. SPT was positive when the wheal was 3 - 5 mm, remarkable positive ≥ 6 mm. Results. AD was diagnosed in 6.5% of patients, asthma in 10.6%, AR in 28.9%. A positive SPT to at least one aeroallergen was in 45.8% (6-7 yrs 39.3% 48.6% 13-14 years of age, adults 48.2%). The most sensitizing were D. pteronyssinus (24.7%), D. farinea (21.6%) and grass/grain (22.3%). SPT was positive in 66.9% of patients with AD, 84.63% AR, 70.5% asthma. In patients with AD the most sensitizing were D. pteronyssinus (33.1%), D. farinea (33.2%) and grass/grain (30.6%). Sensitization to Cladosporium (OR 2.03), D. farinea (OR 2.0), cat (OR 2.01) and birch (OR 1.98) had the greatest impact on AD. Conclusions. We confirmed the high prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with AD, although less than in AR and asthma. Sensitization to aeroallergens was a risk factor for AD. In the general population the greatest impact on the presence of AD was sensitization to Cladosporium, D. farinea, cat and birch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies based on the ISAAC questionnaire suggest a correlation between the use of antibiotics and the prevalence of asthma and allergy in children aged 6-7 years. The number of courses of antibiotic therapy is an important factor. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between the use of antibiotics during the first years of life and the prevalence of allergy and asthma among children (aged 6-8 years) in the urban population of Poland. Materials and Methods: A survey-based study with a self-completed questionnaire. The respondents were parents of children aged 6-8 years living in Warszawa, Poland. 1461 completed questionnaires were collected. Results: Asthma was declared in 4.3% of the children. Wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi within 12 months before the study was observed in 13.5% of the cases. Asthma medication was taken by 21.8% of the children. Allergic rhinitis was declared in 18.7% of the children. Problems with sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion not associated with cold or fever were observed in 40.7% of the children. The analysis of the odds ratios between the use of antibiotics and the symptoms of allergic diseases revealed a clear correlation. The highest odds ratio was observed between the completion of over three courses of antibiotic therapy prior to the age of 12 months and the declaration of one of the following: asthma (OR = 5.59, 95% CI: 2.6-12.01), wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi (OR = 4.68, 95% CI: 3.01-7.27) and taking medicines for breathlessness (OR = 5.12, 95% CI: 3.42-7.68). Conclusions: There is a direct relationship between antibiotic use in the first 3 years of life and asthma and allergy symptoms in children aged 6-8 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Over the last few decades the prevalence of allergic diseases has dramatically increased. This situation makes it necessary to conduct international, standardized, randomized epidemiological studies Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of bronchial asthma in Poland. Material and methods. The study was conducted with the use of a translated and validated questionnaire survey developed for international ECRHS II and ISAAC studies. The study was performed in 9 selected regions in Poland (8 urban regions and 1 rural region). The respondents were obtained from a random multistage selection and they were proportionally stratified on the basis of their PESEL (Identification Number) operator. The completed questionnaires were collected from 18,617 respondents and nearly 25% of them subsequently underwent a medical examination. Results. Asthma was self-reported in 4.72% of the subjects land was diagnosed in 11% of subjects after the ECAP medical examination. Wheezing and whistling during the past 12 months was reported by 12.4% of adults and in the whole life by 18.8% of children 16.1% of adolescents. The association between asthma and allergic rhinitis was declared by 73.6% of patients. Conclusions. Asthma is a prevalent disease in the Polish population and should be considered a significant social problem. Measures for early detection and prevention of asthma should be introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]