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Allergic Diseases: A Global Public Health Concern

This article discusses the increasing prevalence of allergic diseases worldwide and the impact it has on public health. It highlights the complexities and challenges of managing allergies and provides recommendations to address the problem. The economic burden of allergies is also examined.

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Allergic Diseases: A Global Public Health Concern

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  1. Allergic Diseases: A Global Public Health Concern World Allergy Week 4 – 10 April 2011

  2. World Allergy Organization (WAO) has designated 4-10 April 2011 as World Allergy Week to promote the message: Allergic diseases pose a global health concern.

  3. Why is allergy a major problem worldwide? • There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases globally. • It is estimated that 30-40% of the world population is now affected by one or more allergic conditions. • A high proportion of the increase in allergic disease is in young people. In the near future, the burden of allergic diseases is expected to greatly increase as these patients become adults.

  4. Why is allergy a major problem worldwide? • Complex allergies involving polysensitization and multiple organ involvement are increasing in prevalence, with a high morbidity placing a higher demand on health care delivery services. • It is forecast that allergic problems will increase as air pollution and ambient temperatures increase due to environmental and climate changes, affecting pollen counts, stinging insect numbers, and the prevalence of molds associated with allergic diseases.

  5. Why is allergy a major problem worldwide? • Attempts to tackle allergic disease on a country-wide basis are often widely variable and fragmented. • The lack of allergy services leads to a decrease in quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality, and considerable cost to patients with allergic diseases. • Those living in poverty are seriously affected when allergic illness prevents them from working, more so because the high cost of medications is unaffordable.

  6. Defining the Problem: The WAO White Book on Allergy The WAO White Book on Allergy outlines data indicating that allergy poses a major global public health issue; it provides high level recommendations to governments, health authorities and other health care providers.

  7. World Allergy Organization recommendations • Create a more integrated and holistic approach to the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases • Increase public awareness of allergic diseases and their prevention • 3. Provide greater education at the primary healthcare level and to non-allergy-oriented secondary care specialists

  8. World Allergy Organization recommendations • Train medical students and other health care professionals to collaborate with specialists in providing integrated care for allergy patients • 5. Institute environmental control measures by the lowering of indoor and outdoor air pollution, tobacco smoking, and allergen and drug exposures

  9. World Allergy Organization recommendations 6. Encourage a preventative approach to allergic diseases, emphasizing the importance of continued research into disease causation and management 7. Develop national allergy action plans to promote the prevention of allergic diseases and immune tolerance, aiming to decrease the burden of allergic diseases.

  10. The economic burden of allergy A few global facts and figures for two common allergic diseases, asthma and rhinitis: * Direct costs: Expenditure on medications and health care provision ** Indirect costs: Cost to society from loss of work, social support, loss of taxation income, home modifications, lower productivity at work, etc Source: WAO White Book on Allergy (Member Society Reports)

  11. The WAO White Book on Allergy 2011-2012: Executive Summary can be accessed at: http://www.worldallergy.org/publications/wao_white_book.pdf For more information about World Allergy Week 2011 contact the WAO Secretariat: Email: info@worldallergy.org Phone: +1-414-276-1791 www.worldallergy.org

  12. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) is a global alliance of 84 regional and national allergy, asthma and clinical immunology societies. The mission of World Allergy Organization is to be a global resource and advocate in the field of allergy, advancing excellence in clinical care through education, research and training as a worldwide alliance of allergy and clinical immunology societies. www.worldallergy.org www.waojournal.org World Allergy Organization

  13. Extra page for member society use

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