Early events in atopy

The prevalence of allergic diseases, such as allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, has increased during the last decade. It is generally accepted that the increased prevalence of allergic diseases is due to a disturbed T-helper lymphocyte (T(h)) T(h1)-T(h2) balance, leading to mo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of pediatrics 2002-10, Vol.161 (10), p.542-546
Main Author: VAN BEVER, Hugo P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allergens
Allergic diseases
Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
Biological and medical sciences
Cytokines
Cytokines - immunology
Disease prevention
Eczema
Family medical history
General aspects
Humans
Hypersensitivity, Immediate - epidemiology
Hypersensitivity, Immediate - immunology
Hypersensitivity, Immediate - prevention & control
Immunology
Immunopathology
Lymphocytes
Medical sciences
Prevalence
Public health
Respiratory syncytial virus
Rhinitis
Risk Factors
T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer - immunology
Time Factors
Tropical medicine
Viral infections
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Summary:The prevalence of allergic diseases, such as allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, has increased during the last decade. It is generally accepted that the increased prevalence of allergic diseases is due to a disturbed T-helper lymphocyte (T(h)) T(h1)-T(h2) balance, leading to more expression of T(h2) features. Decreased postnatal microbiological stimulation (i.e. improvements in public health, reduction in family size, increased usage of antibiotics) results in an increased possibility of ongoing postnatal T(h2) reactions. Furthermore, increased postnatal allergen exposure, especially to house dust mite, is known to facilitate the existence of T(h2) features. Therefore, identification of early markers of allergy such as increased total IgE in cord blood offers the possibility to initiate adequate primary prevention in subjects at risk. Primary prevention measures constitute merely of avoidance of early allergen contacts (foods and inhalants) and avoidance of pollution exposure (i.e. passive smoking). At the moment, insufficient data are available concerning the preventive effect of medication on the development of allergic diseases. However, studies on the early use of cetirizine suggest that the occurrence of asthma can be prevented or delayed in young children suffering from atopic eczema. because identification of the atopic newborn is now possible, adequate early prevention can be instigated.
ISSN:0340-6199
1432-1076
DOI:10.1007/s00431-002-1028-3