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Reduction in asthma incidences and mortality, as well as improved quality of life, can be achieved via a wide use of prevention methods. A number of randomized cohort studies demonstrated the effectiveness of such management and the need for multiple treatments. Here, we evaluate whether asthma awareness influences the lifestyle and the use of prevention, as well as the effects of age, sex, economic status, and education on the use of prophylaxis. A total of 18,617 (53.8% female; 24.2% 6-7 years old, 25.4% 13-14 years old, and 50.4% 20-44 years old) were selected by a stratified cluster sampling method in eight cities and one rural area, each over 150,000 citizens. The sample was selected based on the methods and questionnaires of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood and European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Patients aware of asthma significantly less often (p < 0.05) reported owning asthma-inducing items and significantly more often reported behaviors minimizing the number of allergens (p < 0.05). Patients aware of asthma took all actions reducing their exposure to in-house allergens significantly more often than the healthy (p < 0.05) and individuals with symptoms only (p < 0.05). Allergy prevention was used more often in children (p < 0.0005), responders aware of diseases (p < 0.05), higher levels of education (p < 0.05), and higher household income (p < 0.05). The most common type of prophylaxis used is prophylactic actions, which are undertaken by patients diagnosed with asthma and who are aware of their disease. Adults do not use preventive measures as often as children or adolescents do. Higher rates of prevention-oriented behavior were observed in groups characterized by higher levels of education and higher household income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. 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]

Objective: To analyse the relationship between obesity and overweight and the prevalence of allergic diseases and sensitization, and the impact of gender and place of residence., Design: Questionnaire based on those used in ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) and ECRHS (European Community Respiratory Health Survey)., Setting: Our study involved populations of the eight largest cities and one rural region in Poland (each with over 150,000 inhabitants)., Subjects: The study included 18,617 participants (24·2% aged 6-7 years, 25·4% aged 13-14 years, 50·4% adults aged 20-44 years) in eight cities and one rural area. The out-patient study involved 4783 patients (25·7%); we performed skin prick testing with fifteen aeroallergens., Results: Overweight was found in 16·13% of participants (9·11% of 6-7-year-olds, 4·90% of 13-14-year-olds and 25·61% of adults), obesity in 6·41% (7·16%, 2·45% and 8·36%, respectively). In adults, overweight (OR=1·34) and obesity (OR=1·80) increased the prevalence of asthma, especially in women (OR=1·53, OR=2·01). Among 13-14-year-olds the prevalence was higher only in the obese (OR=1·76). Overweight (OR=1·99) and obesity (OR=2·17) affected the incidence of doctor-diagnosed asthma in 6-7-year-olds. Overweight (OR=0·81) and obesity (OR=0·76) reduced the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in men. There was no relationship between BMI and asthma in people from rural areas. Obesity and overweight did not affect the frequency of sensitization to aeroallergens., Conclusions: Overweight and obesity increased the prevalence of symptomatic asthma in adults, especially in women. In 13-14-year-olds, only obesity increased the prevalence of asthma. In children, overweight was associated with increased prevalence of clinically diagnosed and declared asthma and a trend towards atopy. Higher BMI was negatively associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in overweight and obese man. There was no correlation between BMI and sensitization to aeroallergens.

Introduction: Measurement of PNIF is often used as a indicator in provocation studies or used for assessment the therapeutic effect of medicines. Unfortunately, there is a lack of norm for this parameter. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess a few variables which are advisable to estimate the norm for PNIF measurements., Material and Methods: The study was a part of the ECAP study (The Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland). Study group was selected randomly: children aged 6-7, 13-14 and adults. Subjects were inhabitants of 8 cities: Białystok, Gdańsk, Katowice, Kraków, Lublin, Poznań, Warszawa i Wrocław and one village district: zamojski and krasnystawski. PNIF level had been measured among qualified respondents by In-Check inspiratory flow meter manufactured by Clement. Clark. PNIF level was measured before and after application of Oxalin (0,05%) aimed at improve patency of nasal passages. The study was conducted three times, the highest value was noted., Results: There were 4674 qualified subjects, of which 27,6% were children aged 6-7, 27,7%-children aged 13-14 and 44,7%-adults. Results were quantified by Statistica 10 programme and Microsoft Excel programme. Analysis were conducted in regards of sex, age, health status and study area. SEX: Statistically significant higher level of PNIF, as before as after application of medicine, were observed among man than woman. Average level of PNIF after application of medicine among adult man were 151,99 l/min (SD=61,73 l/min), boys aged 13-14-127,62 l/min (SD=53,0), boys aged 6-7- 54,44 l/min (SD=33,44 l/min). Average level of PNIF after application of medicine among adult woman were 119,31 l/min (SD= 45,71 l/min), girls aged 13-14- 109,13 l/min (SD=42,86 l/ min), girls aged 6-7- 61,35 l/min (SD= 31,56 l/min). AGE: There was observed statistically significant difference between age's groups. Average level of PNIF among adults were 131,91 l/min (SD=54,82 l/min), children aged 13-14- 118,68 l/min (SD=49,23 l/min), children aged 6-7- 64,27 l/min (SD=32,64 l/min). Health status: Statistically significant higher level of PNIF were observed among healthy people than sick subjects, among all age's group, except among children aged 6-7. Average level of PNIF, after application of medicine were following: among adults: sick - 128,94 l/min (SD=54,66 l/min), healthy-134,94 l/min (SD=54,84 l/min), children aged 13-14: sick- 116,73 l/min (SD=48,48 l/min), healthy- 120,68 l/min (SD=49,92 l/min) and children aged 6-7: sick- 64,8 l/min (SD=32,25 l/min), healthy- 63,79 l/min (SD=33,0 l/min). Also there was noted statistically significant difference between subject with periodic allergic rhinitis than chronic allergic rhinitis., Study Area: Statistically significant higher level of PNIF was observed among subjects living in urban area than rural area, as before as after application of medicine, among all age's groups., Conclusions: There were found statistically significant differences between age, sex, health status and study area. PNIF measurement is valuable study assessing. PNIF measurement is valuable parameter assessing rhinitis status.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of PNIF in assessing nasal airway patency based on test results. The sample in the study was a group of 4 674 subjects, including 1291 people aged 6-7 years (woman 643, men 648), 1293 people aged 13-14 years (woman 625, men 668) and 2090 adults (woman 1284, men 806). The research method employed in the study was the measurement of peak nasal inspiratory flow using a peak flow meter with a suitable mask as used in rhinomanometry tests and with a flow rate ranging from 20 to 350 l/min. The study was conducted in 2006-2008 at the following centres: Katowice, Wroclaw, Krakow, Lublin, Warszawa, Bydgoszcz, Gdansk and in the rural areas of the former province of Zamosc., Results: For the purposes of the study, the average values for the subjects were calculated for a number of criteria: - subject age: The average PNIF value was 52,41/min for subjects aged 6-7 years(n=1291), 94.7 l/min for subjects aged 13-14 (n=1293) and 108.0 l/min for the adults (n=2090). Indeed statistical dependences for all aged groups were observed on level p<0,0005. -diagnosis: The average PNIF value for healthy was 52,3 l/min p=0,338 for subjects aged 6-7 years (n=680), 97,3 l/min p=0,279 for subjects aged 13-14 (n=640) and 111,7 l/min p=0,438 for the adults (n=1035) and for allergic rhinitis PNIF value was 50,41/min p=0,028 for subjects aged 6-7 years(n=310), 93,3 l/min p=0,299 for subjects aged 13-14 (n=389) and 107,71 1/min p=0,276 for the adults (n=623) and asthma PNIF value was 51,6/min for subjects aged 6-7 years(n=149) 87,3 l/min p=0,062 for subjects aged 13-14 (n=145) p=0,097 and 105,3 l/min p=0,13 for the adults (n=198) -exposure to tobacco smoke (adults): passive smoking - 105,311 min (n=1202) p=0,017, active smoking-119.1 l/min(n=885) p=0,108., Conclusions: PINF is important investigative tool thanks which we can: to differentiate in dependence the functional state of nose from: put the recognition (the patients with allergic rhinitis, the bronchial asthma), the age and the studied sexes.