Environmental contributions to the allergic asthma epidemic.
Current data overwhelmingly document the existence of a worldwide asthma epidemic, although individual studies remain controversial. The epidemic is thought to involve primarily persons with allergic asthma, and many diverse theories, based on an immunopathologic understanding of disease, have recently emerged to explain this involvement. In the context of recent insights into the immune basis of experimental asthma, we discuss in this review the leading asthma epidemic theories, including a new theory based on inhaled environmental proteases. Although no single theory may yet be fully embraced, there exists substantial hope that a unifying mechanism for the epidemic will be revealed through additional research.
Department of Medicine, The Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Farrah
F
Kheradmand
Kirtee
K
Rishi
David B
DB
Corry
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications
D000393:Air Pollutants; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D010450:Endopeptidases; D001241:Aspirin