Bronchial asthma in the southern Maldives

Abstract

A whole population survey was performed in Addu Atoll, southern Maldives to establish the prevalence of bronchial asthma. Assessments of atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and intestinal infestation were made and serum specific Ig[immunoglobulin]E titers to a number of allergens [Ascaris, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, house dust, D. farinae, flock, kapok, plantain, mixed mold, Aspergillus fumigatus and coral dust] were measured. Asthma is a common condition in the southern Maldives. The IgE produced in response to intestinal helminths does not seem to prevent the condition.