Cockroaches Most Prevalent Asthma Source in Cities, Researcher Reports

WASHINGTON - With each new insight about asthma, it becomes increasingly clear how much remains unknown. That message was one of the themes at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's annual meeting.

From 2000 to 2005, the number of adults hospitalized with asthma as a secondary condition increased by 113%, the scientists said. From 1997 to 2006, the number of pediatric hospitalizations with asthma noted as a secondary reason rose by about 54%.

With triggers including cats, cockroaches, stress and obesity, treatments often must be tailored for each patient.

During a symposium, Peter J. Gergen, MD, MPH, medical officer at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, examined research on children and teens in urban environments and elsewhere. Gergen reported that cockroaches are the most prevalent inner-city allergens, according to most research, while cats prompt the most allergies in the suburbs.

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Source: www.ama-assn.org