Gender differences in respiratory, nasal and skin symptoms: 6–7 versus 13–14‐year‐old children

ISAAC questionnaires were completed by the parents of 6432 children, aged 6–7 y and by themselves by 2864 children 13–14‐y‐old. Prevalence rates of respiratory and nasal symptoms and a diagnosis of asthma and hay fever were higher in 6–7‐y‐old boys than in girls, while girls aged 13–14 y had higher rates for most symptoms, except asthma. Underdiagnosis of asthma in 13–14‐y‐old girls cannot be excluded as an explanation, but our data suggest under‐reporting of respiratory and nasal symptoms in 13–14‐y‐old boys.