Prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema among schoolchildren in Israel: results from a national study.

Background: There is growing evidence that the prevalence rates of asthma and allergic diseases are increasing, especially among children. Several risk factors are under investigation.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic eczema (AE), among 13- to 14-year-old schoolchildren in Israel.

Value of a negative aeroallergen skin-prick test result in the diagnosis of asthma in young adults: correlative study with methacholine challenge testing.

Background: None of the existing tests for the diagnosis of asthma are considered to be definitive. Certain circumstances require prompt diagnosis, and a test able to predict the absence of asthma would be very useful.

Objective: To evaluate the contribution of a skin-prick test (SPT) to the diagnostic workup of subjects with suspected asthma.