BACKGROUND: It is disputed whether increases in self-reported respiratory allergy represent a true increase or merely increased recognition. We aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of skin-prick-test (SPT)-positive allergic rhinitis had increased in an adult general population in Copenhagen, Denmark. METHODS: Two cross-sectional surveys were carried out in 1990 and 1998. A screening questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in random samples of 15-41-year-olds preceded both surveys. Among the responders, random samples were invited to a health examination including SPT. Totals of 312 (participation rate 74.6%) and 482 (participation rate 53.4%) subjects were examined in 1990 and 1998, respectively. Diagnoses of SPT-positive allergic rhinitis were based on a history of nasal symptoms on exposure to allergens and SPT positivity to allergens. RESULTS: The prevalence of a diagnosis of SPT-positive allergic rhinitis increased from 12.9% to 22.5% (adjusted odds ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.30-2.90), whereas the prevalence of a positive SPT (allergen histamine wheal ratio > or = 0.5) to one or more of 10 allergens increased from 27.7% to 33.9% (adjusted odds ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.05-2.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SPT-positive allergic rhinitis has increased significantly. Our findings indicate that a true increase in respiratory allergy has occurred.
BACKGROUND: It is disputed whether increases in self-reported respiratory allergy represent a true increase or merely increased recognition. We aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of skin-prick-test (SPT)-positive allergic rhinitis had increased in an adult general population in Copenhagen, Denmark. METHODS: Two cross-sectional surveys were carried out in 1990 and 1998. A screening questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in random samples of 15-41-year-olds preceded both surveys. Among the responders, random samples were invited to a health examination including SPT. Totals of 312 (participation rate 74.6%) and 482 (participation rate 53.4%) subjects were examined in 1990 and 1998, respectively. Diagnoses of SPT-positive allergic rhinitis were based on a history of nasal symptoms on exposure to allergens and SPT positivity to allergens. RESULTS: The prevalence of a diagnosis of SPT-positive allergic rhinitis increased from 12.9% to 22.5% (adjusted odds ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.30-2.90), whereas the prevalence of a positive SPT (allergen histamine wheal ratio > or = 0.5) to one or more of 10 allergens increased from 27.7% to 33.9% (adjusted odds ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.05-2.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SPT-positive allergic rhinitis has increased significantly. Our findings indicate that a true increase in respiratory allergy has occurred.
Authors: T Seiskari; A Kondrashova; H Viskari; M Kaila; A-M Haapala; J Aittoniemi; M Virta; M Hurme; R Uibo; M Knip; H Hyöty Journal: Clin Exp Immunol Date: 2007-04 Impact factor: 4.330
Authors: Isabella Pali-Schöll; Wolfgang Pohl; Werner Aberer; Felix Wantke; Friedrich Horak; Erika Jensen-Jarolim; Nikolai Khaltaev; Jean Bousquet Journal: Wien Med Wochenschr Date: 2009
Authors: Gert F Thomsen; Vivi Schlünssen; Lars R Skadhauge; Tine Halsen Malling; David L Sherson; Øyvind Omland; Torben Sigsgaard Journal: BMC Pulm Med Date: 2015-04-09 Impact factor: 3.317
Authors: Erik P Rönmark; Linda Ekerljung; Roxana Mincheva; Sigrid Sjölander; Stig Hagstad; Göran Wennergren; Eva Rönmark; Jan Lötvall; Bo Lundbäck Journal: Clin Transl Allergy Date: 2016-08-04 Impact factor: 5.871