Atopy and Asthma

Atopy is the genetic propensity to develop an immunoglobulin E antibody response to common allergens. The most common clinical manifestations of atopy are allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. Asthma is a complex disorder of the airways, involving airway hyperresponsiveness, airflow obstruction that is at least partially reversible, and inflammation of the airways. Although atopy has been identified as the strongest predisposing factor for the development of asthma, not all asthma is allergic in nature. The overall prevalence of asthma has been increasing worldwide for the past few decades, and continues to increase globally. Guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of asthma were developed in the early 1990s, and are revised periodically as research into effectiveness of available medications emerges, and development of new therapies arise.