Epidemiology of common allergic diseases in China: Current position and implications

Abstract

The prevalence of common allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy, has increased dramatically with rising industri-alization in China, leading to a significant socio-economic burden. These allergic diseases are complex disorders influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Epidemiological evidence indicates a parallel increase in the prevalence of other systemic diseases during the same period as the allergic disease epidemic, suggesting that these conditions may share common genetic mechanisms and potentially have a causal relationship. This review summarizes recent epidemio-logical studies on common allergic diseases in China, highlighting interrelated changes in demography, allergen spectrum, and the environmental and genetic implications. It aims to enhance our understanding of these conditions, contributing to the development of a robust public health monitoring network and the exploration of strategies for the prevention, control, and treatment of common allergic diseases in the Chinese population.

Keywords

allergen spectrum / allergic diseases / comorbid diseases / epidemiology

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