Results

During the period between 2010 and 2016 the questionnaire was completed by parents of approximately 6400 children from a total potential population of approximately 70,000 children (9.1%). For the present study, we attempted to contact 900 families of children with a positive screening questionnaire (14.1%). Study data were retrieved for 578 (64.2%) children (5.7 to 6.5 years old) referred for asthma assessment from whom lung function data were available. Asthma was confirmed in 549 children, 438 were treated with short acting bronchodilator alone and 111 with inhaled corticosteroids.
On grouped data, marked improvements were seen in all of the clinical variables assessed, in asthma control and in lung function (Table 2). Asthma control was improved in 58% of children, with fewer daytime and nocturnal symptoms and improved activity and fewer days off school due to asthma in more than 50% of children. Emergency department visits were reduced in more than 80% of children.
Table 2: Asthma-like symptoms, activity limitation, health service utilization and asthma control in the 3 months before and after asthma diagnosis and treatment.