ABSTRACT
Atopic eczema, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), and asthma are often considered to be part of a common syndrome of atopic diseases.1 The prevalence of asthma has increased dramatically since the early 1980s and this is thought to be caused largely by environmental factors such as improved hygiene, more indoor activities, and fewer childhood infections.2 Asthma is now one of the most common chronic diseases in both children and adults. Clearly, asthma exacts a heavy toll in both its costs to society and its effect on the individual. Adults with asthma are troubled not only by the symptoms themselves, but by limitation of their daily activities (occupational, social, and physical), sleep impairment, and emotional problems such as anxiety and frustration.3 Moreover, although allergic rhinitis is not usually a severe disease, it significantly impairs patients’ quality of life.4 Similarly, these disorders interfere greatly with the daily lives of numerous children and their families.
