Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma: Role of Environmental Determinants

摘要

Environmental exposures both cause and exacerbate allergic rhinitis and asthma, which are allergy-mediated diseases. The critical period for allergen sensitization is the first 2 to 3 years of life or earlier. Environmental interventions initiated during the third trimester for pregnant women with a personal or family history of allergies or asthma may reduce allergen sensitization and the development of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children. Most persons with allergies and almost three quarters of persons with asthma are sensitized to dust mites. Exposure to house dust mites in early childhood is an important determinant for the later development of asthma. Reduction of dust mite allergen to very low levels may prevent dust mite sensitization and asthma. Cat and dog allergen sensitization is strongly associated with the development of asthma. The combination of cockroach sensitization and high levels of cockroach exposure may explain the increased frequency of allergic asthma among inner-city children.