Guidelines for allergy prevention in Hong Kong

摘要

Allergic diseases are a global problem. Mothers are advised to enjoy a healthy diet with no restrictions during pregnancy and lactation, as prophylactic dietary restriction is unlikely to reduce the development of atopic disease. Breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of the newborn’s life. Atopic eczema has been shown to be significantly reduced in high-risk infants fed a hydrolysed formula compared with standard cow’s milk formula. Complementary food is also recommended for infants over 4 months if they are developmentally ready. Various environmental factors may influence the prevalence and course of allergic diseases. There is a strong epidemiological association between air pollution from traffic and allergies. Smoking is also a significant risk factor. Home dampness and visible mold are associated with recurrent wheeze and asthma. House dust mite is a possible cause of asthma. Lifestyle factors also play a role. Obesity shows a clear relationship with asthma and eczema. Stressful life events may increase the risk of atopic disease. Immunotherapy has been shown to be effective. It reduces new sensitisations and prevents progression of allergic rhinitis to asthma. Summary of the above recommendations are presented.