title: Indoor and Outdoor Allergies.
abstract: In last 30 to 40 years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of allergy. This increase cannot be explained by genetic factors alone. Increasing air pollution and its interaction with biological allergens along with changing lifestyles are contributing factors. Dust mites, molds, and animal allergens contribute to most of the sensitization in the indoor setting. Tree and grass pollens are the leading allergens in the outdoor setting. Worsening air pollution and increasing particulate matter worsen allergy symptoms and associated morbidity. Cross-sensitization of allergens is common. Treatment involves avoidance of allergens, modifying lifestyle, medical treatment, and immunotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Group, 1850 East Park Avenue, Suite 207, State College, PA 16803, USA. Electronic address: msingh1@hmc.psu.edu.
authors.forename: Madhavi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Group, 303 Benner Pike #1, State College, PA 16803, USA.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hays
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000276:immunology; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D004777:Environment; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D005658:Fungi / Q000276:immunology; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000276:immunology; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D011320:Primary Health Care; D039981:Pyroglyphidae / Q000276:immunology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000393:Air Pollutants; D000485:Allergens; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D052638:Particulate Matter; D007073:Immunoglobulin E
keywords: Air pollution; Allergens; Dust mites; Indoor allergies; Mold allergies; Outdoor allergies; Pollens