Geographic variations in the effect of atopy on asthma in the European Community Respiratory Health Study

摘要: Background Atopy has long been related to asthma. The prevalences of both atopy and asthma have shown substantial variation. Objective We sought assess geographic variations in the fraction attributable IgE sensitization specific allergens European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken during years 1991 1992 on 13,558 individuals 36 centers 16 countries. Asthma defined several ways, variously incorporating reported symptoms, bronchial responsiveness methacholine, physician diagnosis. Specific against house dust mite ( Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ), cat, timothy grass, Cladosporium herbarum , a local allergen (birch, Parietaria judaica or ragweed) were measured. Results overall (AF) symptoms caused by 30% but varied widely between centers, ranging from 4% 61%. AF increased 43% when based wheezing responsiveness, 45% with diagnosis asthma, 48% patient more than 12 attacks last year. Between for significantly correlated prevalence among asthmatic patients r =0.91) =0.64), as well atopic =0.43) nonatopic =−0.51). Conclusion effect varies probably because factors expression sensitization, particularly mite.