More people suffering from allergies, statistics show
15 years, 11 months ago
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Posted on May 27, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
Over the last 30 years physicians have reported a significant increase in the number of people affected by allergies.
Over the last 30 years physicians have reported a significant increase in the number of people affected by allergies.
Genetic research has found that genetics is a contributing factor to the likelihood of developing allergic disorders, but previous studies also indicate that environmental factors can play a part.
Allergy specialist Dr Adrian Morris said: "Over the last three decades we've seen a tremendous increase in allergies.
"There are a number of factors involved in our lifestyles that are causing this. Genetics plays a role, so that if you come from an allergic family – if your parents have hay fever or asthma or eczema – you're likely to develop allergies.
"Also, if you live in a city, you're more at risk now from hay fever because of pollution. Diesel car exhaust particles tend to bind with the pollen grain and make them more allergy-provoking."
According to the latest statistics from Allergy UK, cases of asthma, rhinitis and eczema have tripled in the past two decades.
Asthma UK claims that an estimated 75 per cent of hospital admissions for asthma are avoidable and up to 90 per cent of the deaths resulting from asthma are preventable.
