Prevalence of the Common Cold Symptoms and Associated Risk Factors in a Large Population Study



Amra B¹ ; Sohrabpour H² ; Shirani S³ ; Golshan M¹
Source: Tanaffos Published:2006

Abstract

Background: Common cold is the most frequent illness managed in general practice. Data regarding prevalence of the common cold in communities is confounded by the close similarity between allergy and/or asthma related symptoms and common cold. The purpose of this study was to elucidate possible correlations between seff-reported common cold episodes and asthma/allergy related symptoms and some evident risk factors. Materials and Methods: As a part of an ISSAC study in Isfahan, Iran, a randomly selected population of 11666 students aged 6 to 18 years(mean ± SD = 12.96±2.99) were studied. The children or parents completed in a questionnaire with both ISSAC, and other supplementary questions regarding the common cold and allergy. Results: 11666 pupils (88.9%) completed the study. Those pupils reporting more than 3 to Five episodes of the common cold exhibited a significantly more asthma and/or allergy related symptoms. Conclusion: Persian people with more than 3 to 5 episodes of cold like symptoms per year should be evaluated for allergic conditions. © 2006 NRITLD, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Iran.