[Diathesis and the prevention of asthma and respiratory allergies]

Asthma and respiratory allergies arise from the union of innate (predisposing and hereditary) and acquired factors (e.g. environmental). Without yet being perfectly elucidated there will in the future be a better understanding of the basic concept of the "diathesis" of allergic asthma. It includes the hereditary transmission of sensitising capacity to various major allergens and also of bronchial hyperactivity whose congenital predisposition is shown by studies of groups of twins; but perhaps it is not indispensable to the genesis of asthma, since it apparently may be acquired, as for example in occupational asthma. The understanding of the diathesis enables the prediction of respiratory allergic risk and consequently the early initiation of preventative measures in those new-born at high risk. Together these preventative steps consist of quite a heavy burden, whose efficacy remains imperfect but always timely.