Allergic Disease Epidemiology

Abstract

Allergic disease represents a spectrum of disorders characterized by abnormal sensitivity mediated by IgE. Approximately, 25 \% of the population in industrialized countries suffers from some form of allergic disease such as allergic rhinitis (AR) or hay fever, allergic asthma, food allergy, allergic skin inflammation, and anaphylaxis, particularly in children and young adults. The sequelae of allergies may present in many organ systems and the manifestations of allergic disease are often associated with symptoms at multiple sites. In order to facilitate the implementation of effective treatment and prevention strategies, it is important and necessary for clinicians and other involved personnel to understand the epidemiology of allergic disease. This chapter focuses on the epidemiology of allergies causing asthma, AR, chronic urticaria (CU), eczema, drug allergies, IgE-mediated food allergies, allergic conjunctivitis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and eosinophilic gastroenteritis.