Time trends in asthma and atopic diseases in North-West part of Croatia—ISAAC Phase III (2013)

Aim: The authors conducted two cross-sectional studies 8 years apart with the aim of assessing temporal trends in the prevalence of asthma and atopic diseases in Međimurje County, Northwestern Croatia.Methods: Studies were conducted in children aged 12 years 0 months to 14 years 11 months in 2005 and in 2013; additionally, in adolescents aged 18 years in 2013 according to the international study on asthma and allergies protocol.Results: In the age group 12–14 years, a significant increase in the prevalence of asthma (5.1% vs 8.31%), allergic rhinitis (10.86% vs 16.24%), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (7.14% vs 10.95%) and atopic dermatitis (5.34% vs 8.12%) was observed. When the age group 12–14 years in 2005 was compared with the age group 18 years in 2013, a significant increase in symptoms of asthma (5.1% vs 11.5%), allergic rhinitis (10.86% vs 19.59%), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (7.14% vs 14.25%), and atopic dermatitis (5.34% vs 7.69%) was observed.Conclusion: This study shows an increasing trend in Međimurje County in the prevalence of all symptoms associated with atopic diseases: Asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis.