Asthma and allergic rhinitis are common chronic disorders throughout the world, however the prevalence of these diseases in Russia is unknown. This study assessed the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis among adults in St. Petersburg, the second largest city in Russia.

A screening Russian version of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire for symptoms of asthma and a screening questionnaire for ymptoms of allergic rhinitis were distributed to 4536 persons, 16-98 years old (median age 46 yr), in 5 residential areas of St. Petersburg in 2001. The response rate to the questionnaire was 92%. Spirometry and skin prick tests with common inhalant allergens were performed in 590 positive responders. Asthmatic patients were diagnosed according to the ATS definition of asthma. Allergic rhinitis was diagnosed according to the clinical symptoms and sensitization to allergens.

The prevalence of asthma among adults was 7.4% (95%CI 6.6-8.3%) and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 10% (95%CI 8.0-12.1%). Asthma was diagnosed in 56% patients with allergic rhinitis. Seventy-seven per cent of patients with asthma had allergic rhinitis.

Asthma and allergic rhinitis are common diseases in St. Petersburg, being often associated with each other.