The past, present, and future of allergic medical care

Abstract

The past, present, and future of the medicine in the field of allergic diseases in Japan were reviewed, focusing on the last half-century referring to the author's experiences. Bronchial asthma has been largely controlled with ambulatory care after we experienced two epidemics of mortality increase from this morbidity. Development and change of medication in the last 50 years including β stimulants, theophylline, antiallergic drugs, inhaled steroids, and biologics were also described.

Food allergy was discussed regarding recent prominent increase in prevalence and the related new problems including social and media responses. Regarding pollinosis, a disease for the nation, the usefulness and future of immunotherapy was mainly mentioned. Changes in medical care including topical use of steroids and tacrolimus, barrier function abnormalities, and biological agents were also described with respect to atopic dermatitis. Finally, the progress and future of national policies following the enactment of the BASIC LAW ON MEASURES AGAINST ALLERGIC DISEASES was remarked.