European Allergen Manufacturers Group

	Allergy

	The most common allergic diseases are hay fever (rhinitis), asthma, skin symptoms like urticaria and atopic eczema and in rare cases anaphylaxis causes by food allergy or allergy to bee and wasps. Allergic rhinitis and asthma are chronic diseases which influence about twenty percent of the population in Europe. Ten to fifteen percent of the population suffers from asthma and ten percent from atopic dermatitis. The number of patients with respiratory allergic diseases is increasing. Allergic rhinitis is a chronic disease which is followed by a significant risk for new allergies and development of asthma. Rhinitis and asthma are commonly linked. Allergic rhinitis is one of the multiple risk factors identified for asthma development. Patients with persistent allergic rhinitis should be evaluated for asthma. Patients with asthma should be properly evaluated for rhinitis. A combined strategy should be used to treat the upper and lower airways. (ARIA update, Cruz et al, Allergy 2007: 62 (Suppl. 84): 1–41) The burden of allergic rhinitis is significant due to its chronic nature and common co-morbidities as well as the high prevalence in the working force. On a global basis allergic rhinitis is expected to further increase in developing countries as they adopt the Western and urban lifestyle. Asthma usually requires continuous medical care. Patients with moderate to severe asthma have to take long-term medication daily. Medication should not be the only way to control rhinitis and asthma. It is also important to avoid triggers. Patients must learn what triggers in the environment he or she should avoid. The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are exposure, especially in infancy, to indoor allergens and a family history of asthma or allergy. The causes of asthma are not completely understood. However, risk factors for developing asthma include inhaling asthma “triggers”, such as allergens, tobacco smoke and chemical irritants. Asthma cannot be cured, but appropriate management can control the disorder and enable people to enjoy a good quality of life. www.who.int/features/factfiles/asthma/asthma_facts/en/index9.html