Epidemiologia Chorób Alergicznych w Polsce (ECAP)

In the last few decades the prevalence of allergic diseases has dramatically increased. In Poland, the multicentre, wide-ranging, standardized, and randomized epidemiological research was required.AimThe aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of allergic diseases in Poland.MethodA survey and medical examination according to the ECRHS II and ISAAC standards in selected 9 regions of Poland. Sample was randomized based on the personal number, stratified and representative of age and sex. The completed questionnaires were collected from 18,617 respondents. Nearly 25% of them subsequently underwent a medical examination.ResultsAsthma was self-reported in 4.72% and doctor diagnosed asthma was in 11%. Symptomatic asthma was declared be over 12% of population. In the past 12 months, wheezing and whistling were declared by 12.4% adults, and in the whole life by 18.8% children and 16.1% adolescents. Asthma was first diagnosed during the ECAP project in 70% of respondents. Allergic rhinitis was recognized among over 22% of population. Association between asthma and allergic rhinitis was declared by 73.6% patients.ConclusionAllergic diseases are common in Polish population and it is a big social problem. Standards of early detection and prevention of these disorders should be introduced.