Wheezing Characterisation of the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort at 26 Years

Background: Using the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (IOWBC) we sought to understand the prevalence and characteristics of wheezing in young adults. Method: The IOWBC (n=1456) is a population based cohort which was established in 1989 on the Isle of Wight, UK. Presence of wheeze, allergic co-morbidities and risk factors were assessed and data collected at birth, 1, 2, 4, 10, 18 and 26-years. Results: 1033 (70.9%) participated in the 26-year follow-up. 28.7% (441) reported symptoms of wheeze ever, while 23.0% (237) reported current wheeze (within 12 months)compared with 16.1% (211) and 16.9% (259) at 18 and 10 years, respectively. Wheeze was equal across gender (females 23.0% (130), (males 22.8% (107)). However, current wheezers had a greater prevalence of atopy at skin test (60.7% (88) vs 40.4% (166), p Conclusion: Prevalence of current wheeze increases from childhood to adulthood. Wheeze at 26 years is significantly associated with atopy, rhinitis and personal smoking.