Almost 30% of current allergic asthma could be attributed to a history of childhood eczema and hay fever.
Children who suffer from eczema accompanied by hay fever have nine
times higher chances to suffer from allergic asthma in their 40s. The study
states that almost 30% of current allergic asthma could
be attributed to a history of childhood eczema and hay fever. Prevention
and prompt treatment of eczema and hay fever is likely to restrict development
of asthma later in life and save several lives and also health care costs related
to the management of asthma and treatment.
Researchers in Australia analyzed
survey data and skin prick testing data collected in the Tasmanian Longitudinal
Health Study that involved 1,400 subjects. The participants were assessed about
their allergies and childhood environment in 1968 at 7-years of age and were later
followed up in 2004, at 44-years.
The study has been published online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical
Immunology.
Source-Medindia