Childhood Asthma in Benin

Abstract

Summary: Clinical and laboratory studies of bronchial asthma in 145 children seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital between December 1983 and November 1985, are described. There was a preponderance of males while the mean age of onsct of asthma was 2.5 years. Precipitating factors of attacks were present in 77% of the cases. Other atopic diseases were present in 27% while there was a positive family history of asthma in 55%. Of the 64 cases who had skin tests performed, 86% reacted to on, or more allergens. It is concluded that the features of childhood astiıma in Benin are similar to those reported elsewhere.