Aeroallergen sensitization and allergic disease phenotypes in Asia.

Allergic diseases are on the rise in Asia. Aeroallergenexposure is a strong risk factor for sensitization, development and severity of atopic diseases, especially in the Asian paediatric population. Geographical and seasonal variations in aeroallergensensitization are seen across Asian countries and changes in aeroallergensensitization patterns have been observed over time. Some possible reasons include climate change as well as rapid urbanization and improved sanitationwhich follow socioeconomic development. The house dust miteburden in Asia far exceeds that which is seen in Western populations, but pollen appears to be a less important aeroallergenin this part of the world. There is thus a pressing need for preventive measures to reduce dust mitesensitization in Asian children today.