Are allergic reactions on the increase ?

Allergic reaction such as asthma, eczema, rhinitis and food allergy have been on the increase in industrialised country for the last thirty years. They now pose a serious public health problem but the reasons for the increase are poorly understood.

Various factors are being implicated including infection and nutrition during childhood, air pollution, lifestyle and passive smoking. As the intricate biological mechanisms involved in allergic reactions are gradually uncovered, more effective treatments are being developed but the number of sufferers continues to increase. Why is this? Can allergies be cured? Can our exposure to the allergens be controlled? What research is being carried out into allergies and their causes?

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