Zuzana Rennerová, Zuzana Abaffyová, Miloš Jeseňák
The prevalence of allergic diseases continues to be increasing. Allergic diseases are the most frequent chronic diseases
in children. We need to recognize the causes of significant increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases over the last decades.
Their development depends on genetic and mostly environmental factors. These environmental factors include
exposure to tobacco smoking, pollution, altered exposure to microorganisms and allergens, diet/nutrition, or decrease
physical activity. The effect of environmental exposure is strongest throughout early life. Preventive measures should
be targeted at this period of children development. Effective primary prevention strategies should be applicable to the
general population, with acceptable cost and documented through well-done studies.