The Asthma Epidemic

Abstract

This review surveys the data on the increase in the prevalence of asthma in recent decades and finds evidence of a plateau in many Western countries. The authors examine the evidence of possible causal relations to factors such as air pollution, obesity, diet, and exposure to infections, antibiotics, and allergens, including exposures at very young ages. The most strongly supported preventive measure is the avoidance of passive and active exposure to smoke.