A new research has revealed that adult females are at higher risk for allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases.

Renata Engler, MD, allergist and ACAAI Fell said that more prepubescent males have rhinitis, asthma and food allergy than females. However, roles change. When females enter young adulthood, they outnumber men in these chronic illness categories

Why are women at higher risk for allergy and asthma post puberty? The reasons for gender-differences in disease risk and immune responses are complex and vary with age. IgG immune responses to vaccines are enhanced in women compared to men but IgE levels are actually higher in asthmatic men than in women.

The important message is that in order to improve personalized care of patients, improving understanding and impact of gender diversity on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes is needed. One size fits all is not the best approach.

“The importance of sex differences in the practice of allergy-immunology cannot be overstated. Improved sex or gender based medicine and research practices will benefit men and women alike,” Dr. Engler said.

The study was presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

BDST: 1419 HRS, Nov-16, 2013
SIS/BSK