Allergy Asthma Immunol Res.  2013 Sep;5(5):251-257. 10.4168/aair.2013.5.5.251.

Changing Prevalence of Allergic Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region

• Wong GW
• Leung TF
• Ko FW

• KMID: 2260805
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2013.5.5.251

Abstract

Asia-Pacific is one of the most densely populated regions of the world and is experiencing rapid economic changes and urbanization. Environmental pollution is a significant problem associated with the rapid modernization of many cities in South Asia. It is not surprising that the prevalences of asthma and allergies are increasing rapidly, although the underlying reasons remain largely unknown. Many studies from this region have documented the changing prevalence of allergic diseases in various parts of the world. However, the methodologies used were neither standardized nor validated, making the results difficult to evaluate. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) has provided a global epidemiology map of asthma and allergic diseases, as well as the trend of changes in the prevalence of these diseases. Allergic sensitization is extremely common in many Asian communities. However, the prevalence of allergic diseases remains relatively rare. The rapid urbanization in the region, which increases environmental pollution and can affect the rural environment, will likely increase the prevalence of asthma and allergies in Asia.

Keyword

Asthma; allergies; Asia; pollution; International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood

MeSH Terms

Asia
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Asthma
Environmental Pollution
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Prevalence
Social Change
Urbanization

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