Climate change from the Asia-Pacific perspective: What an allergist
needs to know and do
- Amanda Zain,
- Inez Yeo,
- Lydia Su Yin Wong,
- Lynette Shek
Amanda Zain
National University of Singapore Department of Paediatrics
Author ProfileInez Yeo
National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Author ProfileLydia Su Yin Wong
National University of Singapore Department of Paediatrics
Author ProfileAbstract
Allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis and food allergies
are a burgeoning health challenge in the Asia-Pacific region.
Compounding this, the region has become increasingly susceptible to the
impacts of climate change. The region has weathered extreme
precipitation, intense heat waves, and dust storms over the recent
decades. While the effects of environmental and genetic factors on
allergic diseases are well understood, prevailing gaps in understanding
the complex interactions between climate change and these factors
remain. We aim to provide insights into the various pathways by which
climate change influences allergic diseases in the Asia-Pacific
population. We outline practical steps that allergists can take to
reduce the carbon footprint of their practice on both a systemic and
patient-specific level. We recommend that allergists optimise disease
control to reduce the resources required for each patient's care, which
contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We encourage the
responsible prescription of metered dose inhalers by promoting the
switch to dry powder inhalers for certain patients, at each clinician's
discretion. We also recommend the utilisation of virtual consultations
to reduce patient travel while ensuring that evidence-based guidelines
for rational allergy management are closely adhered to. Finally,
eliminating unnecessary testing and medications will also reduce
greenhouse gas emissions in many areas of medical care.14 Jun 2024Submitted to Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 17 Jun 2024Submission Checks Completed
17 Jun 2024Assigned to Editor
17 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
29 Jul 20241st Revision Received
30 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
30 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
30 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
31 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Accept