We examined how chronic @entity1576 , reported in a questionnaire, and results of skin prick tests and spirometry predicted variability in peak expiratory flow (PEF) among 6-12-yr-old @entity1 (n = 1,854). After characterization with skin tests and spirometry, @entity1 were followed for 2-3 mo during the winter of 1993-1994. Peak expiratory flow was measured daily in the morning and evenings. @entity1 with @entity748 symptoms (wheeze and/or attacks of @entity1353 with wheeze in the past 12 mo and/or ever doctor diagnosed @entity565 ) had a greater variation in PEF than @entity1 with dry nocturnal cough as their only chronic respiratory symptom. Similarly, doctor-diagnosed @entity565 was associated with a greater variation in PEF, also among @entity1 with @entity748 symptoms. Peak flow variability increased with an increasing number of symptoms reported in the questionnaire. Atopy, positive skin test reactions to house dust mite and cat and lowered level (as % of predicted) in FEV1 and in MMEF were also associated with an increased variation in PEF. All the differences were observed in both diurnal and day-to-day variation in PEF. In conclusion, chronic @entity1576 reported in a questionnaire, spirometric lung function and skin prick test results among @entity748 @entity1 predicted variation in PEF measured during a 2-3 mo follow-up. The difference in morning PEF coefficient of variation (CV) between @entity1 with @entity748 symptoms and @entity1 with cough only was somewhat bigger in @entity1 than in @entity1 . The effect of atopy on morning PEF CV was somewhat bigger in young than in older @entity1 .

XXXX , skin test results, and lung function as predictors of peak flow variability.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['children', 'Children', 'girls', 'boys'] @entity748 :: ('MESH:D013224', 'Disease') :: ['asthmatic'] @entity1353 :: ('MESH:D004417', 'Disease') :: ['shortness of breath'] @entity565 :: ('MESH:D001249', 'Disease') :: ['asthma'] @entity1576 :: ('MESH:D012131', 'Disease') :: ['respiratory symptoms']
@entity1576 :: (MESH:D012131,Disease) :: ['Chronic respiratory symptoms']
