Children who have eczema, particularly when occurring with hay
fever, are nine times more likely to develop allergic asthma in
their 40s, a new study reveals.
The study, which was conducted by the Murdoch Childrens Research
Institute, the University of Melbourne, Menzies Research Institute
and Monash University and published online in the Journal of
Allergy and Clinical Immunology, reported on evidence from a
clinical study of around 1400 people and found that up to 30 per
cent of allergic asthma within the population sample could be
attributed to a history of childhood eczema and hay fever.
The participants were initially assessed about their allergies
and childhood environment in 1967, at seven years of age, and were
followed up in 2004, at the age of 44.
Lead author Pamela Martin, a University of Melbourne PhD student
based at the Murdoch Children Research Institute analysed the
survey and skin prick testing data and said the study showed that
childhood eczema, particularly when hay fever also occurs, is a
very strong predictor of who will suffer from allergic asthma in
adult life.
"The implications of this study are that prevention and rigorous
treatment of childhood eczema and hay fever may prevent the
persistence and development of asthma," she said.
Pamela said this is the first study to distinguish between
allergic and non-allergic asthma and their occurrence after
childhood eczema and hay fever, as part of a sequence of allergic
illnesses dubbed the 'atopic march'.
"If successful strategies to stop the 'atopic march' are
identified, this could ultimately save lives and health care costs
related to asthma management and treatment," she said.
The researchers estimate that up to 30 per cent of current
allergic asthma within the larger population sample could be
attributed to a history of childhood eczema and hay fever.