Relationship between Atopic Dermatitis, Wheezing during Infancy and Asthma Development

ABSTRACT

There has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis and asthma over the last few decades worldwide, including Korea. They are not only major public health problems with an enormous burden on health care resources but also the diseases adversely affect the quality of life of patients and their family. There are clear epidemiologic parallels in atopic dermatitis, wheezing, and asthma. Atopic dermatitis frequently is the first manifestation of atopic diathesis, which occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. Up to 80% of children with atopic dermatitis will eventually develop asthma and allergic rhinitis later in childhood. Also frequent wheezing in childhood will persist and can progress to asthma later. Therefore principal measures for primary prevention and early intervention for an infant with high risk should start as early as possible during early infancy.