[Respiratory allergies and household allergenic environment]

Based on immunoassay techniques used to identify and quantify major indoor allergens, epidemiological studies have demonstrated that level of exposure depends on the geographical situation (climate, urbanization) and that there is a relationship between exposure and sensitization of predisposed patients. Most of the major mite allergens are proteases. For mammals and cockroaches, the major allergens belong to the retinal protein binding group. Determination of the airborne characteristics of the major indoor allergens is helpful in better understanding the pathophysiology of asthma. In the future, more precise diagnosis and more efficient immunotherapy will be possible through the development of recombinant allergens. The efficacy of allergen avoidance in allergic asthma has been demonstrated in several studies. Thus the respective role of different household allergens should lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.