The changing epidemiology of asthma in Shanghai, China

Abstract

The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma in urban of Shanghai has increased in recent years. The most important causes of asthma exacerbations were cold air, respiratory infection and dust exposure. The proportion of individuals with decreased percent predicted forced expiratory volume of first second increased with age. Strengthening the prevention and treatment of asthma, especially in children with asthma, may decrease the health burden of asthma in the urban Chinese population.