Positive Health Online

Abstract

PEAT, Dept of Medicine, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia writes in this review (185 references) that environmental factors which have changed within the past decade appear to be largely responsible for the increased prevalence of asthma in affluent countries, and that it ought to be possible to design interventions to reverse these trends and reduce asthma incidence. Primary preventive strategies could potentially reduce the acquisition of sensitisation to common allergens and thereby the risk of developing symptoms and also reduce the morbidity in people who already are asthmatic. He cites accumulating epidemiological evidence that dietary excesses of sodium and omega-6 fatty acids, dietary deficiency of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, reduced breastfeeding rates, exposure to allergens and environmental tobacco smoke, are all associated factors in asthma's aetiology. Reduction of the incidence and thereby the prevalence of asthma could potentially be accomplished by modifying these factors, particularly environmental intervention which could be effective for children who have inherited or are at high risk of developing asthma.

Background

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

Reviewing the available evidence, it appears reasonable to assume that applying interventions based upon our current knowledge of risk factors could reduce by 50% the prevalence of asthma in the next generation of children.

References

Peat JK. Prevention of asthma. Eur Respir J. 9(7): 1545-55. Jul 1996.

Comment

Recently published findings suggest that in addition to environmental factors, the "normal" development of immunity in children by challenge with common childhood diseases and microorganisms, may be hindered by increased reliance upon immunisation and a more sanitised lifestyle. Our diminished ability to cope with external allergens may also be key components in the dramatic rise of asthma in developed nations.