Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Seasonal variation and time trends in childhood asthma in England and Wales 1975-81.

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
  1. A Khot,
  2. R Burn,
  3. N Evans,
  4. C Lenney,
  5. 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.