Vol. 536 No. 4
157 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if there has been an increase in the incidence of allergies among children in the past 20 years; and if this is due to changes in nutrition, improvements in diagnosis, changes in the environment or other factors. [14468/01]
Allergies arise from a variety of causes and affect individuals in many different ways. Given the nature of allergies, which can range from minor irritants to more severe allergic conditions and the fact that there is no structured recording of allergies, it is impossible to estimate the incidence of allergies. Undoubtedly improvements in diagnosis have led to greater recognition of specific allergic conditions.
The following table shows the number of hospital discharges for asthma for people aged 0 to 17 years for the years 1994 to 1999. This information is derived from the hospital in-patient system, also known as HIPE, and refers to acute publicly funded hospitals only. Prior to 1994 HIPE did not have comprehensive coverage.
Number of cases with principal diagnosis of Asthma for ages 0 to 17 years for the years 1994-1999.
|
Year |
Number of Cases |
|
1994 |
2,264 |
|
1995 |
4,836 |
|
1996 |
4,260 |
|
1997 |
3,349 |
|
1998 |
3,335 |
|
1999 |
2,897 |
