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Prevention of atopic disorders
1Department of Pediatric, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India. apcpgi@glide.net.in
Insights
Preventing allergic sensitization and disease in children is crucial. This study reviews allergen avoidance strategies for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention in India.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Allergic or atopic disorders have significantly increased in children globally over the past 30 years.
- Environmental factors and allergens play a critical role in the sensitization, onset, and exacerbation of allergic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline primary, secondary, and tertiary preventive strategies for allergic disorders.
- To discuss allergen avoidance measures relevant to the Indian context for physicians and high-risk families.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on allergen avoidance and preventive strategies for allergic diseases.
- Focus on practical application of preventive measures within the Indian healthcare system.
Main Results:
- Allergen avoidance is key for preventing sensitization, disease onset, and symptom exacerbation.
- Tailored strategies are needed for different levels of prevention: primary (preventing sensitization), secondary (preventing re-exposure), and tertiary (minimizing morbidity).
Conclusions:
- Implementing allergen avoidance measures is essential for managing allergic disorders and preventing their progression.
- Physicians can utilize these strategies for both treating atopic patients and as a preventive approach in families with a high risk of allergies.
Abstract:
Prevention of sensitization, onset of disease and disease exacerbations is a very important aspect of holistic approach towards allergic disorders. The prevalence of allergic or atopic disorders has increased significantly in children over the last three decades. There are significant variations in prevalence between countries and also within many countries. Environmental factors obviously play a major role. Environmental allergens are responsible for sensitisation, disease and exacerbations of disease symptoms. Preventive strategies at each level are important: Primary prevention is to stop the process of sensitisation and secondary prevention to prevent re-exposures or prolonged exposure in those who have become sensitized while tertiary prevention is to reduce or minimise morbidity. Various allergen avoidance measures are discussed, with reference to India so that physicians can incorporate these in the management not only of atopic patients but also as preventive strategy in high risk families.