[Allergy and asthma]

Asthma often appears early in life as one of the target organs in the allergic process. Allergic rhinitis and asthma are linked by epidemiologic, histologic, physiologic, and immunopathologic characteristics. Identifying risk factors for sensitization and subsequent development of wheezing has significant implications for the prevention and treatment of asthma. A family history of atopy and early sensitization to house dust mites especially increase the risk, while early exposure to infections may reduce the risk. Inner city children have generally increased risk for asthma compared to children raised in rural areas. In a recent study in Israel inner city asthmatic children were more allergic to both indoor and outdoor allergens than rural asthmatic children. A further study is indicated to examine the prevalence of asthma among allergic children. The allergic part of the evaluation of risk factors in asthmatic patients should be examined. The elimination of the offending trigger or decreased exposure can be very helpful in reducing the symptoms requiring medication and long-term effects of the inflammatory process in asthma.