Childhood asthma and atopy - An introduction

Subjects with an atopic predisposition mount specific IgE antibodies to a variety of allergens. Complex mechanisms involving different T helper cell populations and their mediators regulate the production of total and specific IgE. The manifestation of childhood asthma is related to both, elevated concentrations of serum IgE and to the sensitization mainly towards perennial allergens. There is evidence that the prevalence of asthma is increasing over recent decades in western countries. The reasons are unknown. Besides the genetic predisposition the male gender, allergen exposure, dietary factors, passive smoke exposure and socio-economic factors have been discussed as risk factors for the development of childhood asthma.