European Community Respiratory Health Survey 1992-2003

The European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (ECRHS II) is a follow-up prospective survey of young adults who participated in ECRHS I, a study that used a standardized protocol to assess asthma and allergy in adults in approximately two dozen countries (mostly in Europe, but also elsewhere). Among the survey’s aims: determine the incidence and prognosis of and risk factors for allergy, allergic disease, and low lung function in adults.

For ECRHS II, data was collected from over 10,000 adults (a cohort that had participated in Stage 2 of the ECRHS I) through 29 centers in 14 countries. After a screening questionnaire, participants were interviewed at field centers about symptoms, risk factors, and the use of health services and treatment; blood and respiratory functions tests were performed; environmental information was collected from sub-sample of homes; and exposure to air pollution was assessed through historic air pollution records and air pollution monitoring.