Epidemiology Of Allergic Diseases Research Articles

Epidemiology of allergic diseases

Epidemiology of allergic diseases

Place of residence, gender, month of birth and age influence on the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum. The Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP survey): part three.

IntroductionSpecific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters to estimate the severity of allergic diseases.AimTo determine the influence of gender, age and place of residence on the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum.Material and methodsThe concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, timothy grass, Alternaria alternata were determined in serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 8 regions (ECAP study). The positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml) were correlated with answers to ECAP questionnaires.ResultsIgE antibodies are less frequently detected in respondents living in the country (p < 0.05 to p < 0.005); and they are less frequently detected in respondents living in cities of hardly industrialised regions than in respondents living in cities of industrialised regions (D. pteronyssinus p < 0.05, cat dander p < 0.01). IgE antibodies are more frequently detected in men (p < 0.005 to p < 0.001). IgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents born in May-July (timothy grass p < 0.005, Alternaria alternata p < 0.005) and less frequently detected in respondents born in August-October (timothy grass p < 0.005, Alternaria alternata p < 0.05).ConclusionsCharacteristics of the urban environment, non-specific factors and gender affect the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum. Influence of seasonal allergens within the first months of life and/or in the course of the foetal period alters the production of specific IgE antibodies.

Stimulation of an immune system by different types of allergens causes seasonal (late spring and summer) factors to increase probability of allergic rhinitis symptoms. The Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) survey: part two.

IntroductionSpecific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters to estimate severity of allergic diseases.AimTo determine the relationship between the concentration of sIgE antibodies in serum and clinical outcome of allergic diseases.Material and methodsThe concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, Timothy grass, Alternaria alternata were determined in serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 9 regions (ECAP study). Positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml) were correlated with answers in ECRHSII and ISAAC questionnaires.ResultsIgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents aged over 4 years when they had their first attack of asthma (cat dander p < 0.05, Timothy grass p < 0.05). IgE antibodies are less frequently detected in respondents aged over 29 years when they had the first allergic rhinitis symptoms as compared to respondents aged 0–19 years when they had the first allergic rhinitis symptoms (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Among respondents showing allergic rhinitis symptoms, IgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents showing those symptoms from May to August (p < 0.05 to p < 0.005).ConclusionsThe first attack of asthma appears later mainly in patients whose immune systems are more strongly stimulated by allergens. Development of allergic rhinitis in patients aged over 29 years presumably needs weaker stimulation of their immune systems by allergens than in patients aged 0–19 years. Stimulation of an immune system by different types of allergens modifies its response in such a way that seasonal (late spring and summer) factors increase probability of allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Oral tolerance induction and food allergy prevention

This review aims to provide an overview of the issue of oral tolerance induction in early childhood and allergy manifestation. We discuss changes in epidemiology of allergic diseases that have occurred over the last decades in the context of current knowledge about environmental factors affecting prevalence of these diseases. Also this article presents current data about causes of "hygiene hypothesis" expansion to "microflora hypothesis" as well as an immunological background of this process; describes how immune factors of cord blood and breast milk, maternal and infant’s elimination diet, timing a solid food intake impact on immune system development and tolerance induction in early childhood. Current knowledge on issues of tolerance induction and allergy should induce update of allergy prevention recommendations in the nearest future.

The importance of specific IgE antibodies in epidemiology of allergic rhinitis and asthma - the Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) survey: part one. Influence of allergy risk factors on concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum

The importance of specific IgE antibodies in epidemiology of allergic rhinitis and asthma - the Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) survey: part one. Influence of allergy risk factors on concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum

The importance of specific IgE antibodies in epidemiology of allergic rhinitis and asthma - the Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) survey: part one. Influence of allergy risk factors on concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum.

IntroductionSpecific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters to estimate severity of allergic diseases.AimTo determine the influence of allergy risk factors on the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum.Material and methodsThe concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, timothy grass, Alternaria alternata were determined in serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 9 regions (ECAP study). The positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml) were correlated to answers in questionnaires ECRHSII and ISAAC.ResultssIgE are more frequently detected in respondents declaring an allergic disease of a father than of a mother (D. pteronyssinus p < 0.05, A. alternata p < 0.01). An early beginning to attend school, kindergarten or nursery increases the frequency of sIgE detection (p < 0.05). If the number of children who slept in the same room as a respondent before the respondent was five years old, was lower, sIgE antibodies are more frequently detected (p < 0.05). Relating to: 1) all 4 allergens, sIgE are the most frequently detected in respondents declaring absence of a carpet/rug at home (p < 0.05), 2) cat dander – less frequently detected in respondents who have a cat at home at the age of 1–4 years (p < 0.005).ConclusionsCarpets/rugs capture a portion of mite, epidermal, mould allergens located at home, wherefore absence of a carpet or rug causes greater stimulation of an immune system by these allergens; as a consequence, IgE antibodies are the most frequently detected in respondents. Household contacts of the respondents, at the age of 1–4 years, with cats induced partial immune tolerance to cat dander.

Częstość stosowania leków OTC u pacjentów z rozpoznanym alergicznym nieżytem nosa w świetle projektu ECAP (Epidemiologia Chorób Alergicznych w Polsce)

ENWEndNote BIBJabRef, Mendeley RISPapers, Reference Manager, RefWorks, Zotero AMA Krzych-Fałta E, Furmańczyk K, Wojas O, et al. The frequency of use of OTC drugs by subjects with diagnosed allergic rhinitis in the light of the ECAP (Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland) project. Alergologia Polska - Polish Journal of Allergology. 2018;5(3):168-174. doi:10.5114/pja.2018.78598. APA Krzych-Fałta, E., Furmańczyk, K., Wojas, O., Raciborski, F., Tomaszewska, A., & Piekarska, B. et al. (2018). The frequency of use of OTC drugs by subjects with diagnosed allergic rhinitis in the light of the ECAP (Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland) project. Alergologia Polska - Polish Journal of Allergology, 5(3), 168-174. https://doi.org/10.5114/pja.2018.78598 Chicago Krzych-Fałta, Edyta, Konrad Furmańczyk, Oksana Wojas, Filip Raciborski, Aneta Tomaszewska, Barbara Piekarska, and Agnieszka Lipiec et al. 2018. "The frequency of use of OTC drugs by subjects with diagnosed allergic rhinitis in the light of the ECAP (Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland) project". Alergologia Polska - Polish Journal of Allergology 5 (3): 168-174. doi:10.5114/pja.2018.78598. Harvard Krzych-Fałta, E., Furmańczyk, K., Wojas, O., Raciborski, F., Tomaszewska, A., Piekarska, B., Lipiec, A., Sybilski, A., and Samoliński, B. (2018). The frequency of use of OTC drugs by subjects with diagnosed allergic rhinitis in the light of the ECAP (Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland) project. Alergologia Polska - Polish Journal of Allergology, 5(3), pp.168-174. https://doi.org/10.5114/pja.2018.78598 MLA Krzych-Fałta, Edyta et al. "The frequency of use of OTC drugs by subjects with diagnosed allergic rhinitis in the light of the ECAP (Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland) project." Alergologia Polska - Polish Journal of Allergology, vol. 5, no. 3, 2018, pp. 168-174. doi:10.5114/pja.2018.78598. Vancouver Krzych-Fałta E, Furmańczyk K, Wojas O, Raciborski F, Tomaszewska A, Piekarska B et al. The frequency of use of OTC drugs by subjects with diagnosed allergic rhinitis in the light of the ECAP (Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland) project. Alergologia Polska - Polish Journal of Allergology. 2018;5(3):168-174. doi:10.5114/pja.2018.78598.

Epidemiology of allergic diseases in Korean children

Epidemiology of allergic diseases in Korean children

ALLERGY AND PSEUDO-ALLERGY: ECOLOGIC ASPECTS OF GEOGRAPHIC PATHOLOGY

Those problems of modern people, which are related to their lifestyle in terms of the formation of geographic pathology, are deep and multi-faceted. Organism adaptive reconstruction caused by environmental changes is taking practical significance both for evaluation of functional state of organs and systems as well as for working out scientifically grounded principles of primary prophylaxis of geographical pathology, caused by the influence of natural conditions and anthropogenic factors. In the structure of geographic pathology huge niche belongs to allergic diseases, which are qualified not only as genetically, but also as ecologically determined «civilization diseases». Differentiated approach to studying the prevalence of allergic diseases in the North is considered in terms of the main pathogenic mechanisms: true allergy and pseudo allergy. As an example the results of epidemiologic examination for Evenkia population are presented. Epidemiology of allergic diseases distinctively shows that mankind should not only enlarge the spectrum of new anthropogenic factors and create new so called «blessings of civilization», which negatively influence an organism, contributing to the diseases, but should know the laws of living in consonance with nature, following those laws and not disturb them with mindless and massive persistency. Specific of the allergy mechanisms triggering in extreme ecologic conditions of the North is calling for solutions.

Nasal patency in Poles in the light of research as part of the project on Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland.

The aim of this study was to estimate the reference values for nasal inspiratory flow in the study population in Poland as part of the project on Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP). The study subjects were a group of 4,137 people: 1,136 children aged 6-7 years (561 girls and 575 boys), 1,123 adolescents aged 13-14 years (546 girls, 577 boys) and 1,878 adults (1,145 women, 733 men), residing in seven large Polish cities. The method used in the study was the measurement of the peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) using a special mask for rhinomanometry tests, with a measurement scale of 20-350 L/min. Measurements were conducted twice: once before and once after nasal mucosa vasoconstriction with a 0.1% xylometazoline (Xylometazolinum) solution. Nasal patency rates increased with age in healthy subjects (children aged 6-7 years: 75.95 L/min; teenagers aged 13-14 years: 91.44 L/min and adults: 97.13 L/min (P<0.05). Similarly significant correlations were observed in the study group based on the region of residence (P<0.05). A moderate correlation was observed between PNIF and height as well as weight (with correlation coefficients r=0.51, P<0.05; and r=0.49, P<0.05, respectively). Interestingly, the observed difference in nasal vasoconstriction varied considerably between study subgroups with respect to the pre-determined criteria of age, gender, place of residence, and clinical diagnosis (allergic rhinitis vs. healthy controls), with the mean rates of 25-28%. Any attempt to determine reference values for a given study population should include a number of variables, such as age, height, body weight, which can noticeably affect study results.

Porównanie częstości występowania astmy i chorób alergicznych oraz czynników ich rozwoju w zależności od miejsca zamieszkania w województwie pomorskim

IntroductionThe studies on the epidemiology of allergic diseases indicate at the difference in prevalence depending on the place of residence. The study Epidemiology Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) showed that citizens have a higher prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases. Research compared the major Polish cities and rural areas of Zamojszczyzna. Observations of patients living in Pomeranian region suggest to the mixed character of the rural Pomeranian area and similar prevalence as in the Tri-City agglomeration. AimThe aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, food allergies, allergy to insect venom and drugs) in the population of the province of Pomerania, among patients living in the city and countryside. The second objective was to evaluate the significance of the factors predisposing to the development of asthma and allergy (sex, smoking, having a bird or cat, housing conditions). MethodsThe analysis was based on the research questionnaire containing questions used in epidemiological studies ISAC, ECHRS, ECAP constructed for the study. Statistical analysis of the collected results was made in the program Statistica v.12, χ2 test. The research group consisted of 619 people – 457 women and 162 men, 180 residents of villages and 439 urban residents. ResultsA statistically significant difference and a higher incidence were found in patients with food allergies (p=0.0002); urticaria (p=0.009); atopic dermatitis (p=0.0025); allergies to drugs (p=0.0001). There were no differences in the prevalence, depending on the place of residence, of asthma (p=0.5), allergic rhinitis (p=0.056), allergic conjunctivitis (p=0.33), allergic reactions to insect venom (p=0.13), smoking (p=0.1), sex (p=0.054). More frequent development of asthma was observed in patients treated for allergic rhinitis OR=4.29 (CI 1.02–18.03). The differences in the prevalence of the risk factors such as smoking, having a bird or a cat, and the living conditions were statistically insignificant. ConclusionsThe prevalence of the risk factors of allergic diseases as well as asthma, allergic rhinitis and drug allergies were similar in urban and rural areas. The prevalence of food and drug allergy, urticarial and atopic dermatitis were higher among the residences of the cities.

An Attempt to Estimate Parameters Useful for Establishing a Normal Range for Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow

Introduction: Measurement of peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) has gained wide acceptance among clinicians due to its simplicity. Unfortunately, due to the lack of reference values, a single measurement does not provide any relevant information on the degree of nasal obstruction. We have therefore attempted to evaluate parameters that would be useful for establishing reference ranges for PNIF. Material and methods: The study was a part of an epidemiological study ECAP (Epidemiologia Chorób Alergicznych w Polsce [The Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland]). Inhabitants of Wrocław, Poland, aged 6–7, 13–14 and 20–45 years were randomly selected for the study. All the subjects had their medical history taken and their PNIF measured (using an In-Check inspiratory flow meter manufactured by Clement-Clark). Patients with a diagnosis of rhinitis and/or asthma were excluded from the study. In each subject, the highest of the five measurements (PNIF MAX) was included in the analysis. Results: A total of 221 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. PNIF MAX differed significantly between females and males. A significant correlation was observed between height and PNIF MAX, although no such correlation was found between age and PNIF MAX. For this reason, in order to establish a reference range for PNIF, a regression equation that included sex and height was analysed. The following relationship was arrived at: PNIF MAX = −137.7 − 22.5x + 1.7y, where x is the sex (1 for females and 0 for males) and y is the height. The coefficient of determination (R2) for this relationship was 0.45, which means that the regression equation explains about 45% of the observed variability of PNIF MAX. Conclusions: We found that PNIF MAX correlated with sex and height and that it did not correlate with age. The difficulties in establishing normal ranges for PNIF are most likely due to the differences in nasal anatomy between the subjects.

254 Risk Factors for Prevalence Symptoms of Eczema in Polish Children According to Ecap Study

The aim of this paper was to identify familial and environmental factors that are associated with increased AD risk in children.Material and methods: Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland study (ECAP) was randomized, multicentre, cohort study, based on personal national identification number, performed in 2006-2008. The completed questionnaires were collected from 9231 children. According to ISAAC protocol 6-7 year-old (n=4510) and 13-14 year-old children (n=4721) participated in ECAP study. The questionnaire based on ISAAC was used. Statistical significance was defined as p< 0.005.Results: Of the total 9231 children AD symptoms were observed in 3908 (42.3%) (45.8%;n=2066 and 39.0%;n=1842). There was an increase risk of eczema among tobacco smokers (35.0%) vs no smokers (32.4%) (OR=1.11, 95%CI: 1.02-1.21). The eczema prevalence in household with visible moulds was 44.7% and without moulds 35.5% (OR=1.47; 95%CI: 1.38-1.57). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that more frequent AD symptoms correlated with older mother (OR=1.20; 95%CI: 0.96-1.49). Strong associations were found between the number of cars and lorries went near patient's home and more eczema presence (respectively: OR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.22-1.75; OR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.06-1.26). High socioeconomic status and high prevalence of AD were strong correlated (OR=1.37; 95%CI: 1.26-1.48). There was a significant association between spending more than 1 hour per day watching TV and less prevalence of eczema (OR=0.83; 95%CI: 0.74-0.92).Conclusions: Significant risk factors for incident AD were: tobacco smoking, household with visible moulds, older mother, traffic-related air pollution and high socioeconomic status. Long TV watching were associated with decreased risk of AD.

Genetic factors and epidemiology of allergic diseases (PP-096)

Genetic factors and epidemiology of allergic diseases (PP-096)

Genetic factors and epidemiology of allergic diseases (PP-096)

Genetic factors and epidemiology of allergic diseases (PP-096)

Genetic factors and epidemiology of allergic diseases (WS-096)

Genetic factors and epidemiology of allergic diseases (WS-096)

Factors associated with allergic rhinitis in children and adolescents from northern Mexico: International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase IIIB

The epidemiology of allergic diseases has not been studied extensively in Mexico. The present study, based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase IIIB survey, reports the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and the associated risk factors in the pediatric population in four cities in northern Mexico. Children (6-7 years old) and adolescents (13-14 years old) in public elementary and secondary schools were surveyed in 2002 and 2003. The subjects were chosen randomly from Ciudad Victoria, Mexicali, Monterrey, and Tijuana. The following categories were analyzed: occurrence of rhinitis symptoms (currently or in the last 12 months), rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, a previous diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, and relevant environmental factors. Factors associated with rhinitis that were identified previously with the chi-squared test were analyzed using logistic regression. The number of valid questionnaires was 10,892 for schoolchildren and 12,299 for adolescents. In 6- to 7-year-old children, the following frequencies were determined: rhinitis (ever), 27.9%; current rhinitis, 24.2%; rhinoconjunctivitis, 9.2%; and diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, 5.5%. The corresponding frequencies in 13- to 14-year-old children were 33.3, 34.1, 18.4, and 3.8%. In both 6- to 7-year-old and 13- to 14-year-old children, all rhinitis items were associated with asthma symptoms, dermatitis symptoms, paracetamol consumption, and maternal smoking (odds ratio, >1; p < 0.05). The main risk factors associated with allergic rhinitis symptoms in children and adolescents from cities in northern Mexico were other allergic conditions, paracetamol consumption, and passive smoking.

Breastfeeding and allergies: time for a change in paradigm?

This review examines recent studies of the relationships between breastfeeding and the epidemiology of allergic diseases, especially atopic dermatitis in infants and asthma in early and later childhood. Results from observational birth cohort studies, case-control studies, and one cluster randomized intervention trial have generally failed to demonstrate a protective effect of breastfeeding on outcomes of atopic dermatitis, allergic sensitization, wheezing, or asthma. Difficulties in interpretation relate to the absence of nonbreastfed control or reference groups in some studies, meaning outcomes can only be compared between different durations of breastfeeding. Studies with a nonbreastfed control group suggest there is an increased risk for atopy and asthma associated with breastfeeding and that prolonged breastfeeding may eventually reduce this increased risk. The family history, sex of the child, and the presence of other risk factors for allergy and asthma also influence the outcome. Although breastfeeding is strongly recommended for its multiple benefits on child health, most recent studies do not confirm the 'conventional wisdom' that breastfeeding is protective against allergy and asthma. Early reduction in childhood wheezing may reflect protection from viral infections, but allergies and asthma at later ages may be increased.

Asthma induced by allergy to Trichophyton rubrum

The worldwide incidence of asthma and of allergic respiratory diseases is increasing (Akiyama K. ‘Environmental allergens and allergic diseases.’ Rinsho Byori 1997;45(1):13. D'Amato G, Liccardi G, D'Amato M. Environment and development of respiratory allergy. II. Indoors. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 1994;49(5):412. Weeke AR. Epidemiology of allergic diseases in children. Rhinol Suppl 1992;13:5. Ulrik CS, Backer V, Hesse B, Dirksen A. Risk factors for development of asthma in children and adolescents: findings from a longitudinal population study. Respir Med 1996;90(10):623.) This has been attributed to several factors, including lifestyle changes and an expanding variety of potential causative allergens. Management of asthma entails preventive and acute medications, immunologic therapies, and removal of the identified allergen(s) from the patient's environment. Without the latter, patients may not experience full symptomatic relief. This case report describes a patient who developed bronchial asthma subsequent to an infection of tinea pedis and pedal onychomycosis; antifungal management resulted in full resolution of his tinea pedis, onychomycosis and asthma.

Asthma induced by allergy to Trichophyton rubrum

The worldwide incidence of asthma and of allergic respiratory diseases is increasing (Akiyama K. 'Environmental allergens and allergic diseases.' Rinsho Byori 1997;45(1):13. D'Amato G, Liccardi G, D'Amato M. Environment and development of respiratory allergy. II. Indoors. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 1994;49(5):412. Weeke AR. Epidemiology of allergic diseases in children. Rhinol Suppl 1992;13:5. Ulrik CS, Backer V, Hesse B, Dirksen A. Risk factors for development of asthma in children and adolescents: findings from a longitudinal population study. Respir Med 1996;90(10):623.) This has been attributed to several factors, including lifestyle changes and an expanding variety of potential causative allergens. Management of asthma entails preventive and acute medications, immunologic therapies, and removal of the identified allergen(s) from the patient's environment. Without the latter, patients may not experience full symptomatic relief. This case report describes a patient who developed bronchial asthma subsequent to an infection of tinea pedis and pedal onychomycosis; antifungal management resulted in full resolution of his tinea pedis, onychomycosis and asthma.