Is asthma a global health concern?

Is asthma a global health concern?

Asthma is a globally significant non-communicable disease with major public health consequences for both children and adults, including high morbidity, and mortality in severe cases.

Why is the prevalence of asthma and allergies rising?

Some researchers believe the rise in allergies and asthma is due to increased airborne pollens, the energy-proofing of our indoor living environments, urban air pollution, and antibiotics overuse. Others feel environmental factors are the main contributor to asthma and allergies.

What is the most common among allergic diseases?

Most Common Allergies

• Allergy in Children.
• Asthma.
• Atopic Eczema (Dermatitis)
• Drug Allergy.
• Food Allergy and Food Intolerance.
• Rhinitis.
• Skin Allergy.

Why are allergic diseases increasing?

The upsurge in the prevalence of allergies is observed as societies become more affluent and urbanized. An increase in environmental risk factors like outdoor and indoor pollution like tobacco smoke combined with reduced biodiversity also contributes to this rise in prevalence.

How does global warming affect allergies?

Warmer temperatures from climate change cause flowers to bloom earlier and increase the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. These changes in temperatures cause an increase in the concentration of pollen in the air, the strength of airborne allergens and an increase in allergy symptoms.

Is asthma increasing worldwide?

Abstract. There has been a sharp increase in the global prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and economic burden associated with asthma over the last 40 years, particularly in children. Approximately 300 million people worldwide currently have asthma, and its prevalence increases by 50% every decade.

Why is asthma more common in developed countries?

The higher prevalence observed in more developed countries may be due to increased urbanization/westernized lifestyle, higher rates of obesity, and/or pollution. Prevalence of symptoms of asthma in the past 12 months among persons aged 18 to 45 years in 70 countries, Worlds Health Survey 2002–2003.

Why are allergies increasing in developed countries?

The increase in allergies is not simply the effect of society becoming more aware of them and better at diagnosing them. It is thought that allergies and increased sensitivity to foods are probably environmental, and related to Western lifestyles. We know there are lower rates of allergies in developing countries.

What is allergy disease?

Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are a number of conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to typically harmless substances in the environment. These diseases include hay fever, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and anaphylaxis.

Why is asthma becoming more common?

The rise in allergies and asthma may also be due to an increase in airborne pollens, climate changes that trigger a rise in pollen levels, the energy-proofing of indoor home and work spaces, urban air pollution, or the overuse of antibiotics.

Is asthma affected by climate change?

Impact of Climate Change on People With Asthma Climate change increases water and air pollution which can cause and aggravate chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma. Increased temperatures due to climate change lead to increased ground-level ozone, which cause airway inflammation and damages lung tissue.

Does climate affect asthma?

Climate change (an extended change in weather patterns) affects health. With increasing temperatures and more severe storms, people with asthma are at higher risk of weather triggering asthma flares. Studies suggest climate change can actually cause asthma as well.

What is the global prevalence of asthma?

Approximately 300 million people worldwide currently have asthma, and its prevalence increases by 50% every decade. In North America, 10% of the population have asthma. Asthma is underdiagnosed and undertreated, although the use of inhaled corticosteroids has made a positive impact on outcomes.

How many people suffer from asthma globally?

What is the prevalence of asthma? Asthma affects more than 300 million people worldwide including 11.6% of children aged 6 to 7 years.

How is asthma distributed worldwide?

The five countries with the highest prevalence of clinical asthma were Australia (21.5%), Sweden (20.2%), UK (18.2%), Netherlands (15.3%), and Brazil (13.0%). Finally, using the least stringent definition, the global prevalence of wheezing was estimated to be 8.6% (95% CI: 8.5; 8.7).

How common are allergies globally?

Worldwide, allergic rhinitis affects between 10% and 30 % of the population. Worldwide, sensitization (IgE antibodies) to foreign proteins in the environment is present in up to 40% of the population.

What causes allergic asthma?

Common Causes for Allergic Asthma Windblown pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Mold spores and fragments. Animal dander (from hair, skin, or feathers) and saliva. Dust mite feces.

Is allergic asthma genetic?

Allergic asthma can be passed through generations in families, but the inheritance pattern is unknown. People with mutations in one or more of the associated genes inherit an increased risk of allergic asthma, not the condition itself.

What causes asthma?

Common Triggers Outdoor allergens, such as pollens from grass, trees and weeds. Indoor allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches and mold. Irritants in the air, such as smoke, chemical fumes and strong odors. Exercise (although people with well-controlled asthma can exercise)