Increase in allergy: a global challenge.

摘要

During the 1990s, a growing number of studies reported an increase in the prevalence of allergic disease (Fig. 1). Some researchers, however, stated that this increase was not real, but rather reflected an increased awareness of symptoms and a better diagnostic process.To investigate time trends of aeroaller-gen sensitization, we performed a study comprising three repeated cross-sectional studies of the general population of Copenhagen, conducted during a 25-year period (1976-1977, 1982-1984 and 1999-2001). It included a total of 7,820 subjects, aged 30-60 years, and was conducted using objective measurements of IgE sensitization against inhalant allergens. Results of the study showed a marked and statistically significant increase in the prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization in all age groups evaluated, providing evidence of a spread of the allergy epidemic to older adults, a continuing increase in the overall prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization, and an increase in the mean age of allergic patients (1).