Epidemiological Studies Of Allergic Diseases

Identified Need: 

In several parts of the world, there is a paucity of published epidemiological information about the overall prevalence of allergic diseases and, in particular, about specific diseases. For example, there is little or no information about severe asthma; anaphylaxis; food allergy; insect allergy; drug allergy; and complex cases of multi-organ allergic disease. Data concerning some of these disorders are available in a few countries, but only for certain age groups. 

Recommendation: 

Every country should undertake epidemiological studies to establish the true burden of allergic diseases; asthma; and primary and secondary immunodeficiency diseases. This is the first essential step in ensuring the provision of adequate physician and healthcare professional services to meet both current and future needs.

Allergens And Environmental Pollutants

Identified Need: 

Evidence-based information about the major indoor and outdoor allergens and pollutants responsible for causing or exacerbating allergic diseases and asthma is either lacking or, when available, is not always universally accessible.

Recommendation: 

Local indoor and outdoor allergens and pollutants which cause and exacerbate allergic diseases should be identified and, where possible, mapped and quantified. Appropriate environmental and occupational preventative measures should be implemented where none exist or as necessary. Strategies proven to be effective in disease prevention should also be implemented. 

Availability Of Allergy, Asthma And Clinical Immunology Services (Allergists) And Appropriate Medications

Identified Need: There is an increasing need for more allergy specialists and for the existence of local and regional allergy diagnostic and treatment centers in order to facilitate timely referrals for patients with complex allergic diseases. Accessibility to affordable and costeffective therapy and to novel therapies is needed. For example, adrenaline auto-injectors for patients at risk of anaphylaxis; new and more effective medications to treat severe asthma; and access to allergen immunotherapy are lacking in some parts of the world. 

Recommendation: Public health officials should provide for adequate allergy/ clinical immunology services, including access to specialists and diagnostic and treatment centers. Allergists should be able to prescribe the most cost-effective medication to manage a patient’s disease. Examples include adrenaline auto-injectors to treat anaphylaxis; anti-IgE for severe asthma; a variety of very effective medications to treat chronic urticaria and angioedema, hereditary angioedema, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma. 

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is effective in preventing the onset of asthma and is the only available treatment to prevent anaphylaxis and death from bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet and ant induced anaphylaxis. Consultations with allergists, timely diagnosis and treatment are necessary to improve longterm patient outcomes and quality of life and to reduce the unnecessary direct and indirect costs to the patient, payer and society.