[Changes in asthma prevalence among school children during a 6 -year period: Influence of socioeconomic status].

Background: Asthma prevalence is increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of asthma diagnosis and related symptoms in children, its changes during a 6-year period and the influence exerted by socioeconomic status.

Materials And Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted among school children of Santiago.

[Risk factors and prevalence of allergic rhinitis among Chilean children].

Background: The prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis experienced a steady increase in the last years, probably associated to changes in lifestyles.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, to evaluate changes over time (1994-2000), and to describe risk factors.

Material And Methods: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) core questionnaire, with questions added about socioeconomic status (SES), was applied to 4594 children between 6-7 years old and 13-14 years old during october-december 2000.