Prevalence trends in the characteristics of patients with allergic asthma in Beijing, 1994 to 2014

This study aimed to determine the clinical profiles and prevalence trends during 1994 to 2014 among patients with allergic asthma (AA), which is a clinical phenotype of asthma. We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of 319 patients who were diagnosed with AA between March 1, 1994 and February 28, 2014 at 3 Beijing centers. The patients included 155 males and 164 females, and the mean age was 50.86 ± 15.27 years (range 13–86 years). The proportions of asthma attacks in summer and autumn were 60.7% (1994–1999), 61.8% (1999–2004), 56.4% (2004–2009), and 33.1% (2009–2014). The most frequently used medication at home was theophylline (27.9%), which was followed by inhaled corticosteroids (20.38%), inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta-2-agonists (10.66%), and leukotriene receptor antagonists (9.4%). The elderly group had the highest rates of summer and autumn attacks, multiple hospitalizations, reduced pulmonary function, smoking history, and positive allergen tests. The middle-aged group had the lowest rates of summer and autumn attacks, and multiple hospitalizations. The youngest group had the lowest rates of reduced pulmonary function, smoking history, and positive allergen tests. The top 5 allergens were dust (9.1%), mites (8.8%), seafood (8.2%), pollen (6.3%), and animal fur (6%). Women were significantly more likely to have a positive allergen test (93 women vs 68 men). The present study revealed the characteristics of Chinese patients with AA, and allergen-specific differences in sex and age during 1994 to 2014. The use of therapeutic drugs at home remains insufficient.