BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis starts as an early childhood type1 hypersensitivity to environmental allergens and is often the first step in the atopic march to develop into asthma and allergic rhinitis. Despite progress that has been achieved in management, this health problem remains poorly controlled and cause great pain and suffering for many children and their parents.
PURPOSE: To introduce nurses to recent progress in pathophysiology, management and preventive measure of atopic disease.
Search METHOD: Systemic search was done using the PubMed and CINAHL from 1980 to 2005. In addition, historical references were taken from standard medical textbook.
RESULTS
In total, 30 relevant publications were located including primary research and review articles that cover the pathophysiology, management, and preventive measure of atopy. The evidence emerging from literature indicate that non-medical approaches such as breastfeeding and probiotics would improve management outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The review suggests that breastfeeding and probiotic approaches would be the most effective preventive measures for children with atopic diseases.
