I Costi dell'Allergia Respiratoria

Allergic respiratory diseases are a topic of great clinical interest due to their high prevalence in the general population. Allergic diseases (IgE-mediated) include allergic rhinitis (AR) and bronchial asthma, both of which can be accompanied by allergic conjunctivitis, and usually constitute a single nosological entity called rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic bronchial asthma. From a pathogenetic point of view, respiratory allergies develop following the activation of an immune system response induced by airborne molecules called inhalant allergens. Inhalant allergens are divided into seasonal (pollens of grasses, trees, and some molds) and perennial (typical of the indoor environment, such as epidermal derivatives of dust mites, domestic animals and molds). Sensitization to inhalant allergens, documented by the presence of specific IgE antibodies, has been estimated in Europe at around 40% of the population. This chapter will showcase the costs of respiratory allergies.