6-07-05

Allergies/Asthma

The number of people suffering from allergies in the U.S. has increased significantly during the past several years, but the cause is unclear.

Allergic disorders are on the rise, especially in urban settings, according to researchers whose findings show an 11 percent increase in recent years. It is believed that 40 percent of the U.S. population has some form of allergic rhinitus. The reason for the increase is not certain, says Dr. Akshay Sood, assistant professor of pulmonary medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. He says it could be caused by exposure to cockroach antigen and mold as well as an increase in asthma.

SOUND BITE: ". . . it is unclear why the prevalence of asthma is rising, but two theories that have gained popularity is the hygiene hypothesis, which basically states that we are raising our infants in a very sterile environment and they don’t catch infections . . . (8:37) In fact dirt, poor hygiene and early infections in early life, may actually prime our immune system in a way that protects against asthma."

Another reason for the increase may be related to obesity, which is an inflammatory condition that can affect the airways, says Dr. Sood. He sites a strong association between asthma and allergic rhinitus -- half of the people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis. He recommends some treatment options.

SOUND BITE: "The management of allergies is really focused on identification of the allergens and then limiting exposure. Unfortunately, we cannot live life in a bubble and we can’t always limit exposure and sometimes we can’t even identify those allergens. In that situation we really rely on pharmalogical treatment or medical management. The number one medicine that we use is intranasal cortosteriods . . ."

Anyone suffering from allergies or allergic asthma should see their primary care physician, who may refer them to an allergist or pulmonologist for further evaluation and treatment.