Prevalence of asthma and asthma-like symptoms in young adults living in three east Anglian towns.

BACKGROUND The European Community respiratory health survey is examining the prevalence of asthma and risk factors for asthma. AIM As part of this multinational survey, a study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of asthma and asthma-like symptoms in young adults living in Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich using a postal questionnaire. METHOD A previously validated symptom questionnaire was sent to 2500 men and 2500 women aged 20-44 years living in and registered with a general practitioner in each of the three towns. RESULTS In total, approximately 9000 adults responded. The prevalence of symptoms suggestive of asthma was found to be similar in the three towns. Of respondents, 8% reported having been woken by an attack of shortness of breath at some time in the last 12 months, higher than previously reported. Five per cent reported having had an asthma attack. CONCLUSION General practitioners wishing to examine asthma prevalence in their own practice population could use a similar methodology.