The allergic scholar: Update 2017

  • Natalie Schellack Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
  • Gustave Schellack
Keywords: atopy, atopy risk factors, atopic march, allergy, scholars, corticosteroids, antihistamines

Abstract

Allergic diseases are on the increase globally. There has been a doubling in the number of scholars suffering from allergy-related disease in the past two decades. This article describes the predisposing factors which contribute to an increased incidence of allergies within the population. These factors include a genetic predisposition, allergen exposure, abnormalities in the bowel flora and infection exposure. Some of these relate to the hygiene hypothesis and the microflora hypothesis, which are discussed in this article. Treatment options for those suffering from allergic disease are also discussed, with an emphasis on asthma, anaphylaxis, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. This article was originally published in 2015 and has since been updated with more recent literature.

Author Biographies

Natalie Schellack, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
BCur, BPharm, PhD(Pharmacy) Associate Professor Department of Pharmacy Faculty of Health Sciences Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Gustave Schellack
Gustav Schellack, BCur, AdvUnivDiplNursSc(HSM), HonsBSc(Pharmacology) Clinical Research Manager and Training Specialist in the Pharmaceutical Industry with a Special Interest in Clinical Research and Applied Pharmacology
Section
Review