Allergic diseases, COVID-19 pandemic, and underlying mechanisms

The impact of COVID-19 on allergic diseases in adolescents is not well described. Although there has been a previous study that examined changes in prevalence one year into the pandemic, there is a need for follow-up due to the nature of the infectious disease. Therefore, this article explored the extent to which the pandemic had a potential mediating effect on the prevalence of allergic diseases in adolescents. Previous study suggested the weighted prevalence of asthma decreased from 2009 to 2021 both before and during the pandemic. The weighted prevalence of allergic rhinitis increased from 2009 to 2019; however, there was a decrease in 2020 followed by a minute increase in 2021. Similarly, the weighted prevalence of atopic dermatitis increased from 2009 to 2019, and decreased from 2020 to 2021. These results suggest that the prevalence of allergic diseases decreased during the pandemic, with some exceptions. In light of the findings, we would like to encourage continued efforts to monitor allergic diseases in the years to come, even after the pandemic is over. It is also recommended that researchers from other countries conduct their own research on the respective topic that can develop a general consensus and confirm the reliability and validity.