Allergy sufferers need better care worldwide

Friday June 20th, 2008

The plight of allergy sufferers around the world has been put under the spotlight in a new global report from the World Allergy Organisation.

It highlights the vast numbers of allergy and chronic respiratory disease patients and demands an immediate rise in the number of healthcare professionals trained to deal with the problem.

The WAO reports that allergic diseases have risen significantly in the last 20 to 30 years, and show no signs of declining.

Worldwide, 400 million people have allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and 300 million have asthma - many undiagnosed and untreated.

At the release of the report this week, WAO President, Professor Walter Canonica, said the report "presents a concerning picture of the rising prevalence of all types of allergic diseases".

"However, healthcare resources are not increasing commensurately," he warned. "The WAO is determined to address the global allergy problem, in particular the medical, social and economic issues associated with allergic diseases."

He said allergic asthma, food allergies, anaphylaxis and rhinoconjunctivitis were all increasing.

Improved hygiene and rapid industrialisation are making allergies more common, complex and aggressive, he said.

Professor Canonica said: "The WAO is determined to provide a framework for the collaboration among physicians, scientists and government officials to address the global allergy problem, in particular the medical, social and economic issues associated with allergic diseases."

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Tags: Allergies & Asthma | World Health

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