title: Epidemiology of allergy.
abstract: Atopic disease represents a spectrum of disorders characterized by abnormal sensitivity mediated by IgE; approximately 20% of Americans suffer from some form of allergic disease. The sequelae of inhalant and food allergies may present in many organ systems. Manifestations of allergic disease in one site are often associated with symptoms from another site. It is important for clinicians to understand the epidemiology of atopic disease and its causes to facilitate implementation of effective treatment and prevention strategies. This review focuses on the epidemiology of inhalant allergies causing allergic rhinitis and asthma and on IgE-mediated food allergies.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rhinology, Allergy, and Sinus Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7070, USA. cebert@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: Charles S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Ebert
authors.forename: Harold C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Pillsbury
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology