L. Frølund

The link between allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma: A prospective population‐based study. The Copenhagen Allergy Study

Background: It has been hypothesized that allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma are manifestations of the same disease entity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.

Allergic contact sensitization in an adult Danish population: two cross-sectional surveys eight years apart (the Copenhagen Allergy Study).

In 1990 and 1998 15-41-year-old people were patch-tested in 2 cross-sectional studies of random samples of the population in the western part of Copenhagen County, Denmark. In 1990, 290 subjects and in 1998, 469 subjects were patch-tested. The participation rates were 69% and 51%, respectively. Contact sensitivity to one or more haptens was found in 15.9% and 18.6% in 1990 and 1998, respectively. Nickel sensitivity is still the most common contact sensitivity. The risk of contact sensitivity to the cosmetic-related haptens included in the series (formaldehyde was not included) increased significantly from 2.4% in 1990 to 5.8% in 1998 (odds ratio 2.44, 95% confidence interval 1.04-5.73). The prevalence of contact sensitivity to cosmetic-related allergens has been doubled between 1990 and 1998.

The prevalence of skin-test-positive allergic rhinitis in Danish adults: two cross-sectional surveys 8 years apart. The Copenhagen Allergy Study.

Background: It is disputed whether increases in self‐reported respiratory allergy represent a true increase or merely increased recognition. We aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of skin‐prick‐test (SPT)‐positive allergic rhinitis had increased in an adult general population in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Mucosal symptoms elicited by fragrance products in a population‐based sample in relation to atopy and bronchial hyper‐reactivity

Background Exposure to perfume and fragrance products may, in some individuals, cause symptoms from the eyes and airways. The localization, character and risk factors of such symptoms in the general population are unknown.

The relationship of alcohol consumption to total immunoglobulin E and the development of immunoglobulin E sensitization: the Copenhagen Allergy Study

Background Several studies in patient populations have reported a positive association between alcohol consumption and serum total IgE. Furthermore, we have previously reported a positive association between alcohol consumption and the prevalence of skin prick test (SPT positivity) to inhalant allergens in a population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Have Oral Contraceptives Reduced the Prevalence of Acne? A Population-Based Study of Acne vulgaris, Tobacco Smoking and Oral Contraceptives

Background: The prevalence of acne among adolescents appears to vary geographically. This study was therefore undertaken to describe the prevalence rate of acne among Danish adolescents and to study the possible influence of oral contraceptives (OC) and tobacco smoking on disease prevalence and severity. Both have been suggested to influence acne and are therefore potential confounders in studies of acne prevalence. Methods: A random sample of 186 15- to 22-year-old subjects participating in a population-based study of allergic diseases in Copenhagen County were also examined for acne. Questionnaire data on demographic variables, acne problems, smoking status and use of OC were recorded, and acne was graded according to the Leeds scale. Results: The prevalence of clinical acne (Leeds score >1) was 40.7% for men and 23.8% for women (odds ratio, OR, acne vs. no acne: 0.46, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.24–0.85). Acne was perceived as a personal problem by 37.6% of all subjects, and this was associated with clinical acne (OR: 5.5, 95% CI: 2.7–10.9). The use of OC was associated with a significantly lower prevalence of acne (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11–0.86), while the use of tobacco smoking was not significantly associated with acne (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.17–1.78). Conclusion: In congruence with recent reports from other countries, the prevalence rate of acne among adolescents was found to be lower than previously described in older reports. In this population, the use of OC was associated with a lower prevalence of acne.

Incidence of allergic contact sensitization in Danish adults between 1990 and 1998; the Copenhagen Allergy Study, Denmark

Background Studies of incidence of contact allergy in a general population have not been reported. Data from incidence studies may support and direct strategies for prevention of contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis.

A link between skin and airways regarding sensitivity to fragrance products

Background  Exposure to volatile fragrances is commonplace and may be related to various eye and airway symptoms. Skin exposure to fragrances is known to cause perfume contact allergy and eczema, but it is unknown whether eye or airway symptoms elicited by fragrance products are associated with contact allergy or eczema.

The association between contact allergy and hand eczema in 2 cross-sectional surveys 8 years apart

Hand eczema is a recurrent chronic skin disease related to contact allergy and atopic dermatitis. When possible, efforts should be redoubled to eliminate provoking factors. Our objective was to assess changes in the prevalence of self‐reported hand eczema and to evaluate the association between contact allergy and hand eczema among adult Danes before and after nickel exposure regulation in Denmark. In 1990 and 1998, random samples of 15–41‐year‐old persons were examined in 2 cross‐sectional studies of the general population in Copenhagen, Denmark. The studies included questionnaires, patch and prick testing. From 1990 to 1998 the prevalence of a history of hand eczema increased significantly. This increase did not appear to be fully explained by changes in the prevalence of flexural eczema, prick test reactivity, patch test reactivity, and nickel allergy. In 1990, nickel allergy and allergic nickel contact dermatitis were significantly associated with a history of hand eczema among women. In 1998, these associations were not found. It can be concluded that, from 1990 to 1998, the prevalence of a history of hand eczema rose significantly. It was indicated that it might be possible to prevent the hand eczema related to nickel allergy by exposure regulation, public education or both.

Comparison between Different Techniques for Measuring Nasal Patency in a Group of Unselected Patients

Many techniques for measuring nasal patency have been developed in search for a reliable, easily performed and reproducible method. Rhinomanometry is easily performed in the clinic but daily records of nasal blocking cannot be obtained. In this study we examined the correlation between posterior rhinomanometry (PR), nasal peak flow (nPF), the ratio nasal patency index (NPI), and the opening interrupter method (Rtn) for measuring nasal patency. Twenty-eight subjects with no symptoms of rhinitis and 20 patients with diagnosed rhinitis were investigated. A significant (p less than 0.05) correlation was found between PR and nPF after stratification according to the diagnosis of rhinitis and between nPF, PR, and height. All other correlations tested proved non-significant. We conclude that PR is the method which ought to be used in the hospital, but nPF is an easy way to measure nasal patency and might even be used by the patient at home.