Expired CME Article

Featured CME Topic Introduction - Allergy

Authors: Richard D. deShazo, MD

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of allergic diseases throughout the world has been established by the publication of more than 10 national and multinational epidemiologic studies during the past 10 years. 1 The prevalence for allergic rhinitis ranges from 3 to 40% of the population, depending on the geographic area and the age of the patients. Allergic rhinitis and asthma, as common respiratory diseases, affect school performance, work productivity, and the social life of patients, and the cost to society is substantial. For instance, total direct medical costs of allergic rhinitis are estimated to be $3.4 billion per year in the United States alone. 2 This cost is divided equally between prescription medications and outpatient visits.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Bachert C, van Cauwenberge P, Khaltaev N, et al; World Health Organization. Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma: Executive summary of the workshop report 7–10 December 1999, Geneva, Switzerland. Allergy 2002; 57: 841–855.
 
2. Law AW, Reed SD, Sundy JS, et al. Direct costs of allergic rhinitis in the United States: Estimates from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003; 111: 296–300.
 
3. Larche M, Robinson DS, Kay AB. The role of T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003; 111: 450–464.
 
4. Liu AH, Murphy JR. Hygienehypothesis: Fact or fiction? J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003; 111: 471–478.