A study of asthma in a Dunedin suburban area.

Asthma was reported by 6.2 percent of 2347 inhabitants of a Dunedin residential area. Symptoms occurred within the past two years in 4.2 percent. In this group the majority showed evidence of atopy by skin reactivity and elevation of serum immunoglobulin E. Airways obstruction was detected by spirometry in 62 percent and 56 percent demonstrated increased bronchial reactivity to histamine aerosols. Less than half used bronchodilator aerosols for relief and only 18 per cent were treated with prophylactic disodium cromoglycate.