Sex influences on lung function and medication in childhood asthma

Acta Paediatr. 2006 Oct;95(10):1191-6. doi: 10.1080/08035250600584794.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate possible sex differences in prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of asthma, and influence on lung function associated with asthma severity in a population-based birth cohort (BAMSE) of 4089 children.

Methods: At 4-y follow-up, 92% responded to a questionnaire on symptoms of asthma, current medication and doctor's diagnosis of asthma. A total of 2965 children participated in clinical testing, including measurements of peak expiratory flow (PEF), and were assigned to groups of asthma or no asthma by reported airway symptoms.

Results: Children in asthma groups had lower PEF readings compared to healthy children. This effect was most pronounced for both sexes in the persistent group (boys p<0.05, girls p<0.001) and for girls in the transient group (p<0.01). A doctor's diagnosis of asthma did not significantly differ between boys and girls, but significantly more boys than girls had inhaled corticosteroids, even when stratifying by frequency of symptoms.

Conclusion: These results suggest that when 4-y-old children are stratified according to common diagnostic criteria, girls have a larger effect on PEF of asthma symptoms and are less frequently treated compared to boys.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Asthma / drug therapy
  • Asthma / epidemiology*
  • Asthma / physiopathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Sex Factors