The prevalence of asthma symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopy in New Zealand adults

Abstract

Aims. To examine the prevalence of asthma symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and atopy in a random population sample of New Zealand adults. Methods. A random sample of 2004 adults, aged 20-44 years, in Hawkes Bay, Wellington and Christchurch, were selected from respondents to a one-page respiratory screening questionnaire and invited to take part in further testing. Subjects attending the testing centres' laboratories underwent a detailed respiratory symptom questionnaire, Phazet testing to eleven common allergens, blood samples for total and specific IgE, and measurement of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Subjects who did not wish to participate were encouraged to complete the que..