Environmental exposures: evolving evidence for their roles in adult allergic disorders

Abstract

Purpose of review 

Allergic disorders are the result of complex interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. Elucidating how specific environmental exposures contribute to allergic diseases in adults is crucial, especially as the world population ages in a rapidly changing environment.

Recent findings 

The effects of environmental exposures on allergic diseases remain understudied in adults. Although epidemiological studies suggest various environmental exposures are associated with the development and exacerbation of allergic diseases, further longitudinal studies are needed across various age groups in adults to pinpoint the exposures of concerns and the time windows of susceptibility. Mechanistic studies in adults are few. A multicomponent strategy targeting several allergens has been conditionally recommended for asthma, but recent findings on mitigation strategies remain limited.

Summary 

Further research on how environmental exposures cause and exacerbate allergic disorders is needed in adults, particularly across disease phenotypes. The effects of mitigation strategies against environmentally induced adult allergic diseases remain large research gaps. A better understanding of how and which environmental exposures contribute to allergic disorders is necessary to identify patients who are at higher risk and would benefit from specific interventions.