Prevalence of Atopic Disorders in a Developing World: Pitfalls and Opportunities

Most studies of atopic disorders have been conducted in the so-called Western countries using tools developed in these regions. There is increasing interest in a more global view of allergies, which would enable us to estimate the burden of these disorders in developing countries and to identify risk and protective factors associated with the development of allergies in a wider geographical area. This chapter highlights how extending epidemiologic and mechanistic studies to Asia, Africa and Latin America would benefit not only health planners but also those interested in developing effective and novel control measures against allergic disorders.