The Effects of Volcanic Disaster on the Prevalence and Severity of Bronchial Asthma

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of volcanic disaster on bronchial asthma, the prevalence and the extent of deterio-ration of asthma were studied among primary school chil-dren aged 6 to 11 years who experienced the volcanic erup-tion of Mt. Unzen Fugen, Nagasaki, Japan. Methods: Questionnaire data were collected from the par-ents or guardians of primary school children. Asthma was classified into four categories: diagnosed asthma, current asthma, remitted asthma, and deteriorated asthma, and the prevalence of each category was compared according to sex and grade. We also analyzed the relation between asthma and past illness and family history including experience of volcanic disaster. Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that past illnesses of allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis