What have we learnt from ISAAC phase III in the Asia-Pacific rim?.
OBJECTIVE
International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase III had provided a worldwide map of epidemiology of asthma and allergic diseases, as well as the changes in prevalence rate of these diseases when compared to data obtained in phase I. The wide variations of environmental factors and ethnic background in Asia provide excellent opportunities for research into the environmental and genetic determinants of asthma and allergies. This review summarizes important lessons learnt from ISAAC phase III results from Asia on asthma and allergy.


RESULTS
ISAAC phase III provided epidemiological evidence of the wide variation and increasing prevalence of asthma and allergy in many Asian countries. When compared to other regions of the world, Asia has a relatively lower prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases. Comparative studies of populations of the same ethnic group living in different environments reveal striking disparity in prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases. The established risk factors could not explain the secular trend and variations of asthma prevalence in different Asian countries. Further research is needed in this rapidly changing region of Asia in order to identify the protective or risk factors associated with the development of asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
ISAAC phase III provides standardized data on the prevalence and burden of asthma and allergy in the Asia-Pacific region. Further research is needed to reveal the underlying factors responsible for the wide variations in disease manifestations in the region.
Fok
Annie O L
AO
Department of Paediatrics and School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
Wong
Gary W K
GW