[Allergic respiratory pathology. Epidemiologic study on an atopic population from Southern Bari]

Three-hundred and thirty-three patients with respiratory allergic disease from southern Italy, a zone characterized by interesting environmental conditions, were studied from 1983-1986 in order to determine their salient epidemiological features. The classic allergological diagnostic procedures (history, skin Prick test and RAST) were utilized. Studies have confirmed the prevalence, in pre-puberty, of respiratory allergic disease in males and Dermatophagoides sensitization. The importance of olive pollen, which is the most common pollen sensitization in children with the tendency to be asthmogen is illustrated. Data concerning the distribution of sensitizations between rural and urban environments are discussed.