The prevalence of respiratory allergic diseases has increased considerably over the past few decades, reaching record levels in western countries, where it is estimated that around one person out of four may present clinical symptoms of allergy. About 90 million Europeans and 65 million Americans are affected by allergic respiratory diseases.

[1]

The prevalence of rhinitis and asthma is increasing in the world.

Rhinitis

[2]

Asthma

Considering the increasing incidence of allergic rhinitis and asthma and their impact on public health, the World Health Organisation (WHO ) has developed a global approach to the prevention and control of these diseases (GINA, ARIA, GARD programmes) in the last 10 years.

[1] Masoli et al. Allergy 2004; 59(5): 469-78; Aas et al. 1997 European Allergy White Paper: Allergic Diseases as a Public Health Problem, Leynaert JACI 2000
[2] ECRHS: The Respiratory Health Survey. Eur. Respir. J. 1996; 9: 687-695

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