Climate, Urban Air Pollution, and Respiratory Allergy

Overall, up to 40% of the general population has been reported to suffer from hay fever, with 23–30% of the population being affected in Europe. Moreover, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis has increased markedly over the past decade worldwide. Up to 37% of teenagers are affected by asthma symptoms, making it the most common chronic disease in childhood. Absence from school and limitations in activities are some of the common consequences of asthma. In 2004, the estimated cost of asthma symptoms among children in the European Union was 3000 million, indicating that asthma in children is a substantial disease burden for the society. Adult asthma is also very frequent, with 15% of adults suffering from this condition. Asthma prevalence varies worldwide.