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Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
Time trends in allergic disorders in the UK
R Gupta1, A Sheikh, D P Strachan
1Lung and Asthma Information Agency, Division of Community Health Sciences, St George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK. rgupta@sgul.ac.uk
Thorax
|September 5, 2006
Summary
UK allergic disorders like eczema and hay fever saw increased prevalence but may now be stabilising. However, severe systemic allergic reactions show a sharp rise, indicating potential shifts in allergy aetiology.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Allergic disorders represent a significant public health concern in the United Kingdom.
- This study examines temporal trends in the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of allergic conditions, excluding asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze recent UK time trends in allergic disorder prevalence, healthcare utilization, and mortality.
- To identify shifts in the patterns of allergic diseases over recent decades.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a trend analysis utilizing national data from surveys, primary care consultations, prescriptions, hospital admissions, and mortality records.
- Examined data spanning several decades to assess changes in allergic disease patterns.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of diagnosed allergic rhinitis and childhood eczema tripled over 30 years, with recent symptom data suggesting a decline.
- GP consultations for hay fever and eczema rose significantly but have since stabilised; hospital admissions for eczema are stable, while allergic rhinitis admissions have decreased.
- Admissions for anaphylaxis, food allergy, urticaria, and angio-oedema have sharply increased since 1990, alongside a rise in allergy prescriptions.
Conclusions:
- While eczema and hay fever prevalence and healthcare use have increased substantially, they may now be stabilising or declining.
- A sharp rise in hospital admissions for systemic allergic diseases suggests a potential increase in their incidence.
- Changes in healthcare practices and potential shifts in the aetiology of allergic diseases in the UK warrant further investigation.
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