Lijecnicki vjesnik 2003;125(3-4)
ALLERGIC DISORDERS OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND SKIN AS A PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM
Božica Kanceljak-Macan, Jelena Macan, Davor Plavec, Sanja Milković-Kraus, Eugenija Žuškin
Abstract
Summary. The prevalence of allergic diseases is rapidly increasing over the last 40 years, especially in most industrialized countries of the world. Manifestations of allergic diseases are observed in about 35% of the general population. In this paper, the most frequent allergic respiratory and skin diseases are described (rhinitis, asthma, atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome, contact eczema/dermatitis, urticaria). The most important individual and environmental factors involved in the occurrence of allergic diseases are described: genetic predisposition, exposure to allergens, environmental pollution and modern life style are discussed. The results of our investigations related to the prevalence of allergy markers in general and working population are presented. The preventive measures concerning allergic diseases are considered.