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The burden of atopy and asthma in children

E J O'Connell1

  • 1Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA.

Allergy
|July 13, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Atopic diseases, such as asthma and eczema, are increasing globally. These conditions significantly impact children, posing management challenges for families and healthcare providers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Global increase in the prevalence of atopic diseases.
  • Atopic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema/dermatitis, are common in childhood.
  • These conditions present significant management challenges for physicians and parents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on atopic diseases.
  • To understand the scope and impact of common childhood atopic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A literature search of MEDLINE was conducted.
  • Keywords included atopy, allergy, asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema/dermatitis.

Main Results:

  • Atopic diseases represent a growing global health concern.
  • Childhood asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema/dermatitis are prevalent conditions.
  • These conditions lead to considerable individual discomfort and parental/physician management difficulties.

Conclusions:

  • Asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema/dermatitis impose substantial burdens.
  • These burdens include individual suffering, complex management issues, and significant economic costs for families and nations.
Abstract

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