National prevalence of asthma and chemical hypersensitivity: an examination of potential overlap

The objective of this study was to investigate the linkage between asthma and chemical hypersensitivity. The authors conducted a population study with a random sample of 1057 geographically weighted cases to determine the prevalence of both asthma and chemical hypersensitivity in the American popula...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of occupational and environmental medicine Vol. 47; no. 5; p. 518
Main Authors Caress, Stanley M, Steinemann, Anne C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.2005
Subjects
Asthma - epidemiology
Cohort Studies
Comorbidity
Environmental Illness - epidemiology
Female
Health Surveys
Humans
Male
Prevalence
Sex Distribution
United States - epidemiology
United States
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Summary:The objective of this study was to investigate the linkage between asthma and chemical hypersensitivity. The authors conducted a population study with a random sample of 1057 geographically weighted cases to determine the prevalence of both asthma and chemical hypersensitivity in the American population and to explore their co-occurrence. A total of 14.1% of the respondents reported being diagnosed with asthma and 11.2% reported a hypersensitivity to chemicals. Of those with asthma, 27.2% also reported being hypersensitive to chemicals and 7.4% reported also being diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). Of those diagnosed with MCS, 42% reported also being diagnosed with asthma. Additionally, 29.7% of those with asthma said air fresheners caused breathing difficulties, and 37.2% found scented products irritating. The results indicate that there is significant overlap between some forms of asthma and chemical hypersensitivity.
ISSN:1076-2752
DOI:10.1097/01.jom.0000161736.54099.44