Seasonal variation and time trends in childhood asthma in England and Wales 1975-81. (original) (raw)
- Research
- Seasonal variation and...
- Seasonal variation and time trends in childhood asthma in England and Wales 1975-81.
Research Article Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1984;289 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.289.6439.235 (Published 28 July 1984) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1984;289:235
- A Khot,
- R Burn,
- N Evans,
- C Lenney,
- W Lenney
Abstract
In England and Wales hospital admissions for childhood asthma almost trebled over the period 1975-81. This may have reflected a true increase in the incidence of acute asthma, a swing from primary to hospital care, or both. The trend was not due to a change in diagnostic fashion. Monthly admissions showed a pronounced seasonal variation with fewest admissions in winter, rising in spring and early summer to peak in the autumn. A deep admission trough was present in August. The monthly admission profile was very similar throughout England and Wales, suggesting that major "trigger" factors were responsible.