Edward J O'Connell1. 1. Allergy/Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. oconnell.edward@mayo.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To briefly review some of the factors that have been implicated in the causation of the increased prevalence of allergic disease in children. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE search of original research and review articles related to the various risk factors considered responsible for the increased prevalence of allergic disease in children. STUDY SELECTION: Author selected references. CONCLUSIONS: It has been established that there is an increased prevalence of allergic disease, especially in children. Risk factors that are currently under investigation include: genetic atopic predisposition, early childhood allergen exposure and sensitization, occurrence of viral respiratory infections in young children, maternal smoking during pregnancy, poor dietary factors, lack of breast-feeding, childhood obesity, having a certain immunologic predisposition (Th2-prone), air pollution, and frequent immunizations in childhood. It is most likely that the occurrence of allergic disease will be found to be multifactorial.
OBJECTIVE: To briefly review some of the factors that have been implicated in the causation of the increased prevalence of allergic disease in children. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE search of original research and review articles related to the various risk factors considered responsible for the increased prevalence of allergic disease in children. STUDY SELECTION: Author selected references. CONCLUSIONS: It has been established that there is an increased prevalence of allergic disease, especially in children. Risk factors that are currently under investigation include: genetic atopic predisposition, early childhood allergen exposure and sensitization, occurrence of viral respiratory infections in young children, maternal smoking during pregnancy, poor dietary factors, lack of breast-feeding, childhood obesity, having a certain immunologic predisposition (Th2-prone), air pollution, and frequent immunizations in childhood. It is most likely that the occurrence of allergic disease will be found to be multifactorial.
Authors: Ping-Chang Yang; Jennifer Jury; Johan D Söderholm; Philip M Sherman; Derek M McKay; Mary H Perdue Journal: Am J Pathol Date: 2006-01 Impact factor: 4.307