The World Allergy Organization, a global federation of 84 national and regional allergy, asthma and clinical immunology societies executive summary noted that the prevalence of allergic diseases worldwide is rising dramatically in both developed and developing countries.These diseases include asthma; rhinitis; eczema; and urticaria (hives) and angioedema. This increase is especially problematic in children, who are bearing the greatest burden of the rising trend which has occurred over the last two decades.
- A steady increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases globally has occurred with about 30-40% of the world population now being affected by one or more allergic conditions.
- A high proportion of this increase is occurring in young subjects; thus, as this young population reaches adulthood, the burden of allergic diseases is expected to increase even more.
- It is forecast that allergic problems will increase further as air pollution and the ambient temperature increase.
The WAO Position Paper on undergraduate training in allergy proposes that all medical students receive the fundamental knowledge and training to recognize, diagnose, and treat these diseases at the primary care level.
According to the American Association of Asthma Allergy and Immunology over 25% of Americans (and growing) now have allergies. Symptoms can range form Watery itchy eyes to asthma and serial infections (Sinus, ear, etc). This allergy epidemic (6th leading cause of chronic disease in adults, 3rd leading cause in children) is happening at a time when you, the providers are facing financial hardships and an uncertain healthcare future. These factors not only threaten the stability of your business but your ability to care for patients.