Effects of Environments on Allergic Diseases: From the Points of Basic Immunology and Allergology

Abstract

The incidence of allergic diseases has dramatically increased in recent decades, particularly in developed areas. The precise reason for this has not been figured out. However, improved hygiene, having such results as a decrease in childhood infections, has been thought to be an important environmental factor from the points of epidemiology. To clarify the molecular mechanism of the effects of environmental factors on allergic diseases is important to consider what kind of complementary and alternative medicine is effective for the improvement of allergic diseases.