title: [Allergic disorders of the respiratory system and skin as a public health problem].
abstract: The prevalence of allergic diseases is rapidly increasing over the last 40 years, especially in most industrialized countries of the world. Manifestations of allergic diseases are observed in about 35% of the general population. In this paper, the most frequent allergic respiratory and skin diseases are described (rhinitis, asthma, atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome, contact eczema/dermatitis, urticaria). The most important individual and environmental factors involved in the occurrence of allergic diseases are described: genetic predisposition, exposure to allergens, environmental pollution and modern life style are discussed. The results of our investigations related to the prevalence of allergy markers in general and working population are presented. The preventive measures concerning allergic diseases are considered.
authors.affiliation: Institut za medicinska istrazivanja i medicinu rada, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10 000 Zagreb.
authors.forename: Bozica
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kanceljak-Macan
authors.forename: Jelena
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Macan
authors.forename: Davor
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Plavec
authors.forename: Sanja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Milković-Kraus
authors.forename: Eugenija
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zuskin
mesh_terms: D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control