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Climate change from the Asia-Pacific perspective: What an allergist needs to know and do
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  • Amanda Zain,
  • Inez Yeo,
  • Lydia Su Yin Wong,
  • Lynette Shek
Amanda Zain
National University of Singapore Department of Paediatrics
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Inez Yeo
National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
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Lydia Su Yin Wong
National University of Singapore Department of Paediatrics
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Lynette Shek
National University of Singapore Department of Paediatrics

Corresponding Author:paeshekl@nus.edu.sg

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Abstract

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