The global epidemiology of asthma in children.

摘要: Until recently, most studies reported that asthma prevalence has increased in recent decades. The best indication of what is now happening globally will be provided by Phase III the International Study Asthma and Allergies Childhood (ISAAC) study. Some individual ISAAC centres Western countries, as well several adults, have already no increase or even a decrease over last 10 years. 'Established' risk factors for cannot account global increases, international patterns declines some countries. It seems 'package' changes intrauterine infant environment occurring with 'Westernisation' causing susceptibility to development and/or allergy. includes maternal diet, foetal growth, smaller family size, reduced infections, use antibiotics paracetamol immunisation, all which been (inconsistently) associated an childhood asthma, but none can alone explain increases prevalence. likely more than sum its parts, these social environmental are pushing our immune systems same direction. To know direction requires better aetiological theories developed replace allergen theory, incorporate it special case. Global comparisons assessment time trends continue play major role this process.