Increasing prevalence of hay fever and atopy among children in Leipzig, East Germany

Mutius, Erika von; Weiland, Stephan K.; Fritzsch, Christian; Duhme, Heinrich; Keil, Ulrich

doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(97)10100-3

Cited by 507 publications

(374 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…There was an increase in the ownership of cats and dogs corresponding to the increase in atopic sensitization to cat and dog in former Eastern Germany [7]. Margarine and oil consumption has increased in schoolchildren in former Eastern Germany [7] and in Estonia, both in the present and in another study from Estonia [16]. The levels of indoor allergens are similar in Estonia and Sweden [13].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 49%

“…A significant increase in hay fever was, however, reported in one study from former Eastern Germany [7]. This increase was explained by the extensive changes in the environment that had taken place after the re-unification of Germany.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 83%

“…This increase was explained by the extensive changes in the environment that had taken place after the re-unification of Germany. The largest increase in atopic sensitization among schoolchildren in former Eastern Germany was recorded against birch and grass pollens, whereas there was no increase in sensitivity to dog and cat allergen [7]. As the proportion of children who were tested during and outside the pollen season was not stated, it cannot be excluded that seasonal differences could have influenced the results.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…A constant prevalence of allergic respiratory symptoms was also reported in children in former Eastern and Western Germany over the last 4 yrs [7,14], whereas an increase in asthma-related symptoms was reported in adults in former Eastern Germany over a 4-year period [15]. This increase was related to greater self-awareness, rather than indicating a true increase.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…socioeconomic status, family size, diet, housing conditions and increased allergen exposure, as well as changes in the microbial flora. The rapid increase in the prevalence of hay fever and atopic sensitization among schoolchildren in a recent study from former Eastern Germany points towards the importance of lifestyle factors for sensitization [7].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Similar prevalence of respiratory symptoms and atopy in Estonian schoolchildren with changing lifestyle over 4 yrs

Riikjärv¹,

Annus²,

Bråbäck³

et al. 2000

Eur Respir J

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The prevalence of allergic sensitization and clinical manifestations is low in Eastern Europe, despite a continuous increase in industrialized countries with a market economy. The aim of the present study was to study changes in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and atopic sensitization over time among schoolchildren in Estonia, in relation to environmental changes as the country transformed into a market economy. A cross‐sectional study of 10‐yr‐old children was carried out between October 1996 and April 1997, employing a questionnaire regarding the prevalence of wheezing, rhinitis and itching rash (n=979) and skin‐prick tests with seven inhalant allergens (n=640). The results were compared with those of a similar study performed in 1992–1993. The 12‐month prevalence of wheeze was 8.3%, as compared to 9.4% in 1992–1993 ( ns) and of asthma was 2.5 versus 3.2% ( ns). The prevalence of a positive skin‐prick test result was 14.3% in both studies. Furthermore, the prevalence of sensitivity to the individual allergens was similar, except for a significantly higher prevalence of dog sensitivity in 1996–1997 (4.7 versus 2.0%). The prevalence of respiratory and other potentially allergic symptoms, as well as the prevalence of atopic sensitization, remains low in Estonian 10‐yr‐old children, despite a changing lifestyle over the past 4 yrs. This could indicate that the time period was too short for environmental changes to affect the prevalence of allergy, or alternatively that risk factors associated with a “western lifestyle” are of particular significance earlier in life.

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