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Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics &... Oct 2020Asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy affect approximately 20% of the global population. Few studies describe the burden of the totality of... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy affect approximately 20% of the global population. Few studies describe the burden of the totality of these diseases and only a handful studies provide a comprehensive overview of the socioeconomic impact of these diseases.
AREAS COVERED
For this narrative review, we searched Pubmed using selected keywords and inspected relevant references using a snowballing process. We provide an overview of the socioeconomic burden of allergic diseases (in particular, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy). The focus of this review is on their epidemiology (incidence, prevalence), burden (disability-adjusted life years, quality of life), and direct and indirect costs (absenteeism and presenteeism). We have put special emphasis on differences between countries.
EXPERT COMMENTARY
Both the prevalence and the burden of allergic diseases are considerable with prevalence varying between 1% and 20%. We identified a plethora of studies on asthma, but studies were generally difficult to compare due to the heterogeneity in measures used. There were only few studies on the burden of food allergy; therefore, more studies on this allergy are required. For future studies, we recommend standardizing epidemiologic, socioeconomic impact, and quality of life measures of allergic diseases.
Topics: Absenteeism; Asthma; Cost of Illness; Dermatitis, Atopic; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Presenteeism; Quality of Life; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Rhinitis, Allergic; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 32902346
DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2020.1819793 -
International Forum of Allergy &... Apr 2023In the 5 years that have passed since the publication of the 2018 International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In the 5 years that have passed since the publication of the 2018 International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2018), the literature has expanded substantially. The ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 update presents 144 individual topics on allergic rhinitis (AR), expanded by over 40 topics from the 2018 document. Originally presented topics from 2018 have also been reviewed and updated. The executive summary highlights key evidence-based findings and recommendation from the full document.
METHODS
ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 employed established evidence-based review with recommendation (EBRR) methodology to individually evaluate each topic. Stepwise iterative peer review and consensus was performed for each topic. The final document was then collated and includes the results of this work.
RESULTS
ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 includes 10 major content areas and 144 individual topics related to AR. For a substantial proportion of topics included, an aggregate grade of evidence is presented, which is determined by collating the levels of evidence for each available study identified in the literature. For topics in which a diagnostic or therapeutic intervention is considered, a recommendation summary is presented, which considers the aggregate grade of evidence, benefit, harm, and cost.
CONCLUSION
The ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 update provides a comprehensive evaluation of AR and the currently available evidence. It is this evidence that contributes to our current knowledge base and recommendations for patient evaluation and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Iron-Dextran Complex; Rhinitis, Allergic; Allergens
PubMed: 36878860
DOI: 10.1002/alr.23090 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020The incidence of allergic diseases continues to rise. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have indicated that allergic diseases occur in a time-based order: from... (Review)
Review
The incidence of allergic diseases continues to rise. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have indicated that allergic diseases occur in a time-based order: from atopic dermatitis and food allergy in infancy to gradual development into allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis in childhood. This phenomenon is defined as the "atopic march". Some scholars have suggested that the atopic march does not progress completely in a temporal pattern with genetic and environmental factors. Also, the mechanisms underlying the atopic march are incompletely understood. Nevertheless, the concept of the atopic march provides a new perspective for the mechanistic research, prediction, prevention, and treatment of atopic diseases. Here, we review the epidemiology, related diseases, mechanistic studies, and treatment strategies for the atopic march.
Topics: Age Factors; Allergy and Immunology; Animals; Asthma; Biomedical Research; Child; Child, Preschool; Dermatitis, Atopic; Diffusion of Innovation; Disease Progression; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Incidence; Infant; Rhinitis, Allergic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32973790
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01907 -
Allergology International : Official... Jul 2020Like asthma and atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis is an allergic disease, but of the three, it is the only type I allergic disease. Allergic rhinitis includes... (Review)
Review
Like asthma and atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis is an allergic disease, but of the three, it is the only type I allergic disease. Allergic rhinitis includes pollinosis, which is intractable and reduces quality of life (QOL) when it becomes severe. A guideline is needed to understand allergic rhinitis and to use this knowledge to develop a treatment plan. In Japan, the first guideline was prepared after a symposium held by the Japanese Society of Allergology in 1993. The current 8th edition was published in 2016, and is widely used today. To incorporate evidence based medicine (EBM) introduced from abroad, the most recent collection of evidence/literature was supplemented to the Practical Guideline for the Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Japan 2016. The revised guideline includes assessment of diagnosis/treatment and prescriptions for children and pregnant women, for broad clinical applications. An evidence-based step-by-step strategy for treatment is also described. In addition, the QOL concept and cost benefit analyses are also addressed. Along with Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact of Asthma (ARIA), this guideline is widely used for various clinical purposes, such as measures for patients with sinusitis, childhood allergic rhinitis, oral allergy syndrome, and anaphylaxis and for pregnant women. A Q&A section regarding allergic rhinitis in Japan was added to the end of this guideline.
Topics: Disease Management; Disease Susceptibility; Humans; Japan; Rhinitis, Allergic
PubMed: 32473790
DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2020.04.001 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Mar 2019During the Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Project, the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services initiated a review of evidence on diet and health in these...
BACKGROUND
During the Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Project, the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services initiated a review of evidence on diet and health in these populations.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of these systematic reviews was to examine the relation of 1) never versus ever feeding human milk, 2) shorter versus longer durations of any human milk feeding, 3) shorter versus longer durations of exclusive human milk feeding prior to infant formula introduction, 4) feeding a lower versus higher intensity of human milk to mixed-fed infants, and 5) feeding a higher intensity of human milk by bottle versus breast with food allergies, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.
METHODS
The Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review team conducted systematic reviews with external experts. We searched CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed for articles published between January 1980 and March 2016, dual-screened the results according to predetermined criteria, extracted data from and assessed the risk of bias for each included study, qualitatively synthesized the evidence, developed conclusion statements, and graded the strength of the evidence.
RESULTS
The systematic reviews numbered 1-5 above included 44, 35, 1, 0, and 0 articles, respectively. Moderate, mostly observational, evidence suggests that 1) never versus ever being fed human milk is associated with higher risk of childhood asthma, and 2) among children and adolescents who were fed human milk as infants, shorter versus longer durations of any human milk feeding are associated with higher risk of asthma. Limited evidence does not suggest associations between 1) never versus ever being fed human milk and atopic dermatitis in childhood or 2) the duration of any human milk feeding and allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in childhood.
CONCLUSIONS
Moderate evidence suggests that feeding human milk for short durations or not at all is associated with higher childhood asthma risk. Evidence on food allergies, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis is limited.
Topics: Adolescent; Asthma; Breast Feeding; Child; Dermatitis, Atopic; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Infant; Infant Formula; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Milk, Human; Rhinitis, Allergic
PubMed: 30982870
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy283 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Mar 2019Nutrition during infancy and toddlerhood may influence health and disease prevention across the life span. Complementary feeding (CF) starts when human milk or infant...
BACKGROUND
Nutrition during infancy and toddlerhood may influence health and disease prevention across the life span. Complementary feeding (CF) starts when human milk or infant formula is complemented by other foods and beverages, beginning during infancy and continuing to age 24 mo.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to describe systematic reviews conducted for the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Project to answer the following question: What is the relationship between the timing of the introduction of complementary foods and beverages (CFBs), or types and amounts of CFBs consumed, and the development of food allergy, atopic dermatitis/eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis?
METHODS
The literature was searched using 4 databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, PubMed) to identify articles published from January 1980 to February 2017 that met predetermined inclusion criteria. For each study, data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed. The evidence was qualitatively synthesized to develop a conclusion statement, and the strength of the evidence was graded.
RESULTS
Thirty-one included articles addressed the timing of CFB introduction, and 47 articles addressed the types and amounts of CFBs consumed.
CONCLUSIONS
Moderate evidence suggests that there is no relationship between the age at which CF first begins and the risk of developing food allergy, atopic dermatitis/eczema, or childhood asthma. Limited to strong evidence, depending on the specific food, suggests that introducing allergenic foods in the first year of life (after 4 mo) does not increase the risk of food allergy and atopic dermatitis/eczema but may prevent peanut and egg allergy. There is not enough evidence to determine a relationship between diet diversity or dietary patterns and atopic disease. Research is needed to address gaps and limitations in the evidence on CF and atopic disease, including research that uses valid and reliable diagnostic measures and accounts for key confounders and potential reverse causality.
Topics: Asthma; Breast Feeding; Dermatitis, Atopic; Diet; Eczema; Feeding Behavior; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Infant; Infant Food; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Rhinitis, Allergic
PubMed: 30982864
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy220 -
International Forum of Allergy &... Feb 2018Critical examination of the quality and validity of available allergic rhinitis (AR) literature is necessary to improve understanding and to appropriately translate this...
BACKGROUND
Critical examination of the quality and validity of available allergic rhinitis (AR) literature is necessary to improve understanding and to appropriately translate this knowledge to clinical care of the AR patient. To evaluate the existing AR literature, international multidisciplinary experts with an interest in AR have produced the International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR:AR).
METHODS
Using previously described methodology, specific topics were developed relating to AR. Each topic was assigned a literature review, evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBRR) format as dictated by available evidence and purpose within the ICAR:AR document. Following iterative reviews of each topic, the ICAR:AR document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus.
RESULTS
The ICAR:AR document addresses over 100 individual topics related to AR, including diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, disease burden, risk factors for the development of AR, allergy testing modalities, treatment, and other conditions/comorbidities associated with AR.
CONCLUSION
This critical review of the AR literature has identified several strengths; providers can be confident that treatment decisions are supported by rigorous studies. However, there are also substantial gaps in the AR literature. These knowledge gaps should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, as often the things that we teach and the medicine that we practice are not based on the best quality evidence. This document aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the AR literature to identify areas for future AR research and improved understanding.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Allergens; Biological Products; Complementary Therapies; Cytokines; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endoscopy; Environmental Exposure; Epidemiologic Methods; Histamine Antagonists; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Microbiota; Nasal Decongestants; Occupational Diseases; Physical Examination; Probiotics; Quality of Life; Respiratory Mucosa; Rhinitis, Allergic; Risk Factors; Saline Solution; Skin Tests; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 29438602
DOI: 10.1002/alr.22073 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Jan 2019The atopic march recognizes the increased occurrence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or both after atopic dermatitis (AD) onset. Mechanisms for developing atopic... (Review)
Review
The atopic march recognizes the increased occurrence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or both after atopic dermatitis (AD) onset. Mechanisms for developing atopic comorbidities after AD onset are poorly understood but can involve the impaired cutaneous barrier, which facilitates cutaneous sensitization. The association can also be driven or amplified in susceptible subjects by a systemic T2-dominant immune response to cutaneous inflammation. However, these associations might merely involve shared genetic loci and environmental triggers, including microbiome dysregulation, with the temporal sequence reflecting tissue-specific peak time of occurrence of each disease, suggesting more of a clustering of disorders than a march. Prospective longitudinal cohort studies provide an opportunity to explore the relationships between postdermatitis development of atopic disorders and potential predictive phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental factors. Recent investigations implicate disease severity and persistence, age of onset, parental atopic history, filaggrin (FLG) mutations, polysensitization, and the nonrural environment among risk factors for development of multiple atopic comorbidities in young children with AD. Early intervention studies to repair the epidermal barrier or alter exposure to the microbiome or allergens might elucidate the relative roles of barrier defects, genetic locus alterations, and environmental exposures in the risk and sequence of occurrence of T2 activation disorders.
Topics: Age Factors; Asthma; Dermatitis, Atopic; Environmental Exposure; Filaggrin Proteins; Genotype; Humans; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Multimorbidity; Mutation; Rhinitis, Allergic; Risk Factors; Skin; Th2 Cells
PubMed: 30458183
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.11.006 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Feb 2015Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common diseases affecting adults. It is the most common chronic disease in children in the United States today and the fifth...
OBJECTIVE
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common diseases affecting adults. It is the most common chronic disease in children in the United States today and the fifth most common chronic disease in the United States overall. AR is estimated to affect nearly 1 in every 6 Americans and generates $2 to $5 billion in direct health expenditures annually. It can impair quality of life and, through loss of work and school attendance, is responsible for as much as $2 to $4 billion in lost productivity annually. Not surprisingly, myriad diagnostic tests and treatments are used in managing this disorder, yet there is considerable variation in their use. This clinical practice guideline was undertaken to optimize the care of patients with AR by addressing quality improvement opportunities through an evaluation of the available evidence and an assessment of the harm-benefit balance of various diagnostic and management options.
PURPOSE
The primary purpose of this guideline is to address quality improvement opportunities for all clinicians, in any setting, who are likely to manage patients with AR as well as to optimize patient care, promote effective diagnosis and therapy, and reduce harmful or unnecessary variations in care. The guideline is intended to be applicable for both pediatric and adult patients with AR. Children under the age of 2 years were excluded from the clinical practice guideline because rhinitis in this population may be different than in older patients and is not informed by the same evidence base. The guideline is intended to focus on a limited number of quality improvement opportunities deemed most important by the working group and is not intended to be a comprehensive reference for diagnosing and managing AR. The recommendations outlined in the guideline are not intended to represent the standard of care for patient management, nor are the recommendations intended to limit treatment or care provided to individual patients.
ACTION STATEMENTS
The development group made a strong recommendation that clinicians recommend intranasal steroids for patients with a clinical diagnosis of AR whose symptoms affect their quality of life. The development group also made a strong recommendation that clinicians recommend oral second-generation/less sedating antihistamines for patients with AR and primary complaints of sneezing and itching. The panel made the following recommendations: (1) Clinicians should make the clinical diagnosis of AR when patients present with a history and physical examination consistent with an allergic cause and 1 or more of the following symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, or sneezing. Findings of AR consistent with an allergic cause include, but are not limited to, clear rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, pale discoloration of the nasal mucosa, and red and watery eyes. (2) Clinicians should perform and interpret, or refer to a clinician who can perform and interpret, specific IgE (skin or blood) allergy testing for patients with a clinical diagnosis of AR who do not respond to empiric treatment, or when the diagnosis is uncertain, or when knowledge of the specific causative allergen is needed to target therapy. (3) Clinicians should assess patients with a clinical diagnosis of AR for, and document in the medical record, the presence of associated conditions such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, sleep-disordered breathing, conjunctivitis, rhinosinusitis, and otitis media. (4) Clinicians should offer, or refer to a clinician who can offer, immunotherapy (sublingual or subcutaneous) for patients with AR who have inadequate response to symptoms with pharmacologic therapy with or without environmental controls. The panel recommended against (1) clinicians routinely performing sinonasal imaging in patients presenting with symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of AR and (2) clinicians offering oral leukotriene receptor antagonists as primary therapy for patients with AR. The panel group made the following options: (1) Clinicians may advise avoidance of known allergens or may advise environmental controls (ie, removal of pets; the use of air filtration systems, bed covers, and acaricides [chemical agents formulated to kill dust mites]) in patients with AR who have identified allergens that correlate with clinical symptoms. (2) Clinicians may offer intranasal antihistamines for patients with seasonal, perennial, or episodic AR. (3) Clinicians may offer combination pharmacologic therapy in patients with AR who have inadequate response to pharmacologic monotherapy. (4) Clinicians may offer, or refer to a surgeon who can offer, inferior turbinate reduction in patients with AR with nasal airway obstruction and enlarged inferior turbinates who have failed medical management. (5) Clinicians may offer acupuncture, or refer to a clinician who can offer acupuncture, for patients with AR who are interested in nonpharmacologic therapy. The development group provided no recommendation regarding the use of herbal therapy for patients with AR.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Administration, Intranasal; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Allergic Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Comorbidity; Complementary Therapies; Cost of Illness; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Therapy, Combination; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Glucocorticoids; Histamine Antagonists; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Immunotherapy; Interdisciplinary Communication; Leukotriene Antagonists; Male; Nasal Surgical Procedures; Phytotherapy; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Referral and Consultation; Rhinitis, Allergic; Turbinates; United States
PubMed: 25644617
DOI: 10.1177/0194599814561600 -
Pediatrics in Review Oct 2023Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects more than 400 million people worldwide, making it 1 of the most prevalent chronic diseases. Childhood AR is increasing, and almost half of...
Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects more than 400 million people worldwide, making it 1 of the most prevalent chronic diseases. Childhood AR is increasing, and almost half of patients with AR develop symptoms before age 6 years. Although a diagnosis of AR is associated with higher socioeconomic status, underserved and urban populations have more indoor aeroallergen sensitizations and are likely underdiagnosed with AR, further exacerbating health-care disparities. AR negatively impacts quality of life, school performance, and overall health outcomes. Untreated AR in children increases the risk for poor asthma control, increased asthma severity, and exacerbations. Many patients believe that they have seasonal allergies only but in reality have both perennial and seasonal AR, which may change the approach to allergen avoidance measures and treatment recommendations. Pharmacotherapy of AR has expanded, with many intranasal corticosteroids, intranasal antihistamines, and second-generation oral antihistamines approved for pediatric use. Allergen immunotherapy, including both subcutaneous and sublingual forms, are approved for children and are disease modifying, potentially reducing further allergen sensitization and progression to asthma. Many of the currently available biological therapies indicated for pediatric asthma and/or atopic diseases reduce AR symptoms as well. Children with moderate to severe or refractory AR or those with comorbidities should be referred to allergists for diagnostic testing and expanded management options, including immunotherapy and potential biological treatment.
Topics: Humans; Child; Quality of Life; Rhinitis, Allergic; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Histamine Antagonists; Allergens; Asthma; Desensitization, Immunologic; Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating
PubMed: 37777655
DOI: 10.1542/pir.2022-005618