なぜアレルギー性鼻炎は増加しているのか？

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease in developed countries and its incidence has increased in recent years. In Japan, although AR is rare before the 1950s, about 10-20% of population is now reported to be suffering from AR. Especially, epidemiological studies showed a remarkable increase in the incidence of Japanese cedar pollinosis within the last four decades. The reason for the high incidence of AR cannot be explained only by an increased amount of antigens, such as cedar pollen. Several hypotheses, including hygiene hypothesis, are proposed. The hygiene hypothesis that declining exposure to infections increased the incidence of AR by Th 2 predominace in the immune response is now gaining supportive evidence. Air pollution hypothesis that diesel exhaust particles enhanced IgE-mediated immune response is also proposed. A Western lifestyle is another important factor in the increase in AR. Although antihistamines and topical corticosteroids are effective therapies for the patients with AR, laser turbinectomy under endoscopy is highly effective and minimally invasive for the treatment of intractable AR. Submucosal turbinectomy with posterior-superior nasal neurectomy is indicated for the treatment of perennial AR