Time lag between Ambrosia sensitisation and Ambrosia allergy A 20-year study (1989-2008) in Legnano, northern Italy

摘要

How do Ambrosia sensitisation and allergy rates among patients at an allergy unit near Milan develop over a period of 20 years, in a region with high Ambrosia pollen concentrations?The extent of the increase is not ascertainable over the short term. Sensitisation rates have increased constantly over a period of more than 15 years, and moreover, the incidence of allergy is delayed during the first years. The time span of exposure to high concentrations of this new allergen is probably one of the important factors inducing allergies.