World Allergy Organization Journal (Jan 2011)

Climate Change, Migration, and Allergic Respiratory Diseases: An Update for the Allergist

  • Gennaro D'Amato, MD,
  • Menachem Rottem, MD,
  • Ronald Dahl, MD,
  • Michael S. Blaiss, MD,
  • Erminia Ridolo, MD, PhD,
  • Lorenzo Cecchi, MD,
  • Nelson Rosario, MD, PhD,
  • Cassim Motala, MD,
  • Ignacio Ansotegui, MD,PhD,
  • Isabella Annesi-Maesano, MD,PhD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 7
pp. 121 – 125

Abstract

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Local climate changes can impact on a number of factors, including air pollution, that have been shown to influence both the development and attacks of allergic respiratory diseases, and they thus represent an important consideration for the allergist. Migration involves exposure to a new set of pollutants and allergens and changes in housing conditions, diet and accessibility to medical services, all of which are likely to affect migrants' health. This review provides an update on climate change, migration, and allergy and discusses factors for consideration when making recommendations for local allergy service provision, and for assessing an individual patient's environmental exposures. Keywords: climate change, allergy, allergic respiratory diseases, migration and allergy