The Robert Koch Institute (RKI): main building in Berlin. more
Germany’s Public Health institute RKI monitors the population’s health and wellbeing. more
The Robert Koch Institute is the German government's central institution for the identification, surveillance and prevention of infectious diseases in the Portfolio of the German Ministry of Health. more
In the course of their lives, more than 20% of children and 30% of adults will suffer from at least one allergic illness. In children, boys are more frequently affected than girls. In adulthood, this trend is reversed, with women experiencing an allergic illness more frequently than men (35% as opposed to 24%).
Allergic illnesses are associated with a significantly lower quality of life in affected persons. Allergies cause high medical costs, both directly and indirectly, due to more frequent utilisation of the health system, permanent medication and time off work.
In westernised countries, the prevalence of allergic illnesses has increased dramatically since the 1970s. In the last decade, it has remained stable at a high level. However, the prevalence of bronchial asthma, which is regarded as an atopic illness, continues to rise.
The issue of asthma and atopic illnesses therefore has high public health relevance.
Within the framework of the health monitoring programme, Robert Koch Institute continuously collects data on the most common allergic and atopic illnesses. These include bronchial asthma, hay fever, neurodermatitis, urticaria, contact eczema and food or insect venom allergies.
In the health monitoring studies, both adults (DEGS) and children and adolescents or their parents (KiGGS) are interviewed. In addition to the information gained from interviews, data on sensitisations against common allergens is obtained in the laboratory.
The gathered data enables the prevalence of allergic illnesses and sensitisations in the overall population to be determined. Moreover, correlations with the living conditions of the affected persons (socio-demographic factors as well as living situation and living environment) are researched. Known or suspected influencing factors such as premature birth, number of older siblings, growing up in a rural environment, breastfeeding, attendance of crèche/nursery, etc. are also investigated.
Statements on medication and general care of affected persons can also be made. The data from the health monitoring programme can be used, for example, to check the extent to which the guidelines on healthcare for asthmatics are implemented with training and written therapy or emergency plans.
