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[Immunological-allergological reactions with changed environmental conditions]
1Schweizerische Arbeitsgruppe für Aerobiologie, Grabs.
Schweizerische Rundschau Fur Medizin Praxis = Revue Suisse De Medecine Praxis
|March 31, 1992
Summary
Technological advancements may contribute to rising allergic diseases, particularly hay fever. Exposure to ozone and traffic emissions correlates with increased allergic sensitization in children, though adaptive mechanisms also play a role.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Rising incidence of allergic diseases globally.
- Potential link between technological development and increased allergic sensitization.
- Sero-epidemiologic monitoring in children from Grabs since 1983.
Purpose:
- To investigate the hypothesis that technological development contributes to increased allergic diseases.
- To examine measurable alterations in immunoreactivity.
- To explore the etiologic link between hay fever prevalence and motor vehicle traffic.
Summary:
- Continuous monitoring revealed a statistically significant increase in allergic sensitization, especially to grass pollen, in children.
- A temporal correlation exists between hay fever prevalence and increased photo-oxidant emissions, with ozone and pollen immissions coinciding.
- Ozone exacerbates allergen exposure by impairing bronchociliary clearance and increasing antigen permeability.
- Children from farming environments show lower hay fever morbidity despite higher exposure, highlighting the role of adaptive mechanisms.
Impact:
- Suggests a link between environmental factors like traffic emissions and allergic diseases.
- Highlights the importance of considering both exposure and adaptive mechanisms in understanding allergy development.
- Provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that technological development may influence allergic disease incidence.