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Environmental contributions to the allergic asthma epidemic
Farrah Kheradmand1, Kirtee Rishi, David B Corry
1Department of Medicine, The Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|August 27, 2002
Summary
A global asthma epidemic is evident, particularly affecting allergic asthma. Research is exploring various immunopathologic theories, including a new protease-based hypothesis, to unify understanding of this widespread respiratory condition.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Documented worldwide asthma epidemic, primarily affecting allergic asthma.
- Existing studies show controversy regarding the epidemic's scope and causes.
- Emerging theories focus on immunopathologic mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review leading theories explaining the asthma epidemic.
- Discuss novel hypotheses, including environmental protease involvement.
- Highlight the need for further research to unify understanding.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current asthma epidemic theories.
- Analysis of immunopathologic insights into experimental asthma.
- Discussion of emerging environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Multiple diverse theories exist to explain the asthma epidemic.
- A new theory implicates inhaled environmental proteases.
- No single theory is universally accepted yet.
Conclusions:
- Substantial hope for a unifying mechanism through continued research.
- Further investigation into immunopathologic and environmental factors is crucial.
- Understanding the asthma epidemic requires integrating diverse scientific perspectives.