World Allergy Organization Successfully Concludes 'World Allergy Week 2023' Event

Professor Jang Yoon-seok of Bundang Seoul National University Hospital
Executive Committee Chairperson Again This Year Following Last Year

The World Allergy Organization (WAO) announced on the 28th that it held an online seminar (webinar) on the theme of "Worsening of Allergic Diseases Due to Climate Change" to mark World Allergy Week from the 18th to the 24th of this month.

WAO is an international federation composed of allergy societies and clinical immunology associations from 108 regions and countries worldwide. Every year, it designates World Allergy Week to select the most important allergic diseases at the current time, raise awareness, and encourage active management through campaigns.

The executive chairperson of this event was Professor Jang Yoon-seok of the Allergy Department at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital. Last year, Professor Jang also served as the executive chairperson of the World Allergy Week event for the first time as a Korean and successfully led the event.

Asthma affects more than 350 million people worldwide, and allergic rhinitis is a common disease affecting 10 to 50% of the population depending on geographic location. Patients with these respiratory allergies are sensitive to various phenomena caused by climate change, such as increased pollen due to air pollution and rising temperatures, and can be directly affected, so caution is necessary.

The webinar held on the 20th featured leading scholars in the field of allergy as panelists. The relationship between climate change and allergic diseases was introduced, along with ways to help patients adapt to the changing climate environment and maintain their health. Furthermore, it was emphasized that efforts are needed to create a healthy environment to prevent the worsening of allergy symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Professor Jang said, "Allergic diseases, including asthma, are the most common chronic diseases in humans, interfering with normal daily life and lowering quality of life, so consistent management is important," adding, "I hope this World Allergy Week event helped in understanding allergic diseases and in creating a healthier environment amid the changing climate."