Atopy environmental influences

Genetic factors cannot explain the recent rapid rise in asthma prevalence. Asthma appears to require both genetic predisposition and environmental exposure. Many patients with occupational asthma develop the disease late in life upon exposure to specific allergens in the workplace. Environmental influences in utero or in infancy may contribute to the development of asthma. Maternal smoking during pregnancy or exposure to secondhand smoke after birth increases the risk of childhood asthma.3 Adult-onset asthma is not uncommon and may be related to atopy, nasal polyps, aspirin sensitivity, occupational exposure, or a recurrence of childhood asthma. 

Peden D (2000) Development of atopy and asthma Candidate environmental influences and important periods of exposure. Environ Health Perspect, 108(Suppl 3) 475-482. 

The influence of environmental factors has been established, but remains controversial. The strategy of strict avoidance of exposure to bacteria, viruses, and allergens until sensitization diminishes belongs to the canons of prophylaxis and treatment of choice of atopic diseases. For years, elimination of allergens from the environment of potentially-affected patients was not undermined as the method for preventing allergy. According to medical instructions, children with an atopy in their case history should have stayed in virtually sterile conditions. 

Asthma is a complex disorder in children with a highly variable response to pharmacological therapy. Genetic and environmental factors are the important determinants of the risk of development of asthma. It is estimated that 70-80 % of variability in individual responses to therapy may have a genetic basis and several candidate genes of asthma and atopy have been reported [109-114], However, genetic interactions, host factors, and environmental factors can also have an influence on drug response [115]. 

Influence the interaction of environmental factors with atopy and IgE-mediated disease Regulation of specific IgE responses (what allergen will you respond to )... 

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