Editorial: Allergy in the Asia Pacific

Mongkhon Sompornrattanaphan ¹ Agnes Leung ² Jane Wong ³ Philip Hei Li ^4*

• ¹ Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
• ² The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Region, China
• ³ Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
• ⁴ The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China

Approximately 4.7 billion people, accounting for 60% of the global population, live in the Asia and the Pacific region, offers a unique lens for addressing the complexities of allergic diseases.With diverse genetic backgrounds, cultural influences, environmental exposures, and healthcare systems, the region faces a rising prevalence of allergies driven by urbanization, pollution, and lifestyle changes, alongside significant variation in allergen sensitization patterns and prescribing practices (1)(2)(3)(4)(5) . These factors not only pose significant public health challenges but also provide valuable opportunities to develop innovative, tailored approaches to allergy diagnosis and management. This research topic brings together impactful contributions, highlighting research in drug allergies, diagnostic advancements, and collaborative care pathways, all aimed at addressing the specific needs of the Asia-Pacific population.Kan et al. explored the feasibility of an excipient allergy registry, focusing on polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a relevant example amidst the global apprehension concerning potential "allergies" to the COVID-19 vaccine (6) . They underscored a significant problem -the absence of a compulsory requirement to disclose ingredients in pharmaceutical formulations. Their study disclosed that information about excipients was missing for more than 60% of drug formulations in Hong Kong, posing substantial obstacles to precise diagnosis and patient safety. By advocating for universal legislative reforms to mandate ingredient disclosure, the authors not only addressed a critical gap in allergy management but also laid the groundwork for improved global drug safety standards.Chinese patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (7) . OD, a prevalent and disabling characteristic of CRS, significantly affects patients' quality of life. Their findings demonstrated a strong correlation between these culturally adapted diagnostic tools, validating their use for this population. This study underscores the importance of tailoring diagnostic approaches to regional and cultural contexts, enabling precise and meaningful assessments in allergy-related conditions.Pathway (SHARP), a multidisciplinary initiative addressing severe chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and angioedema (8) . SHARP integrates allergists, dermatologists, and pharmacists into a streamlined referral system supported by evidence-based guidelines. This pathway emphasizes use of biologics, such as omalizumab, for patients unresponsive to antihistamines. By fostering collaboration and optimizing care, SHARP serves as a model for improving outcomes in resource-limited healthcare settings, demonstrating how multidisciplinary care pathways can address the growing burden of immunologic and allergic diseases.Another review worth mentioning is the mini-review by Mak and colleagues (9) . They revealed beta-lactam and penicillin allergies in the Asia-Pacific, uncovering key differences compared to Western populations. Their investigation uncovered a lesser prevalence of genuine betalactam allergies in this area, a pattern likely shaped by genetic factors and prescription habits.Nevertheless, the prevalent misidentification of beta-lactam allergies continues to be a substantial hindrance to efficient antibiotic stewardship. The study advocates for regional delabeling initiatives and multidisciplinary strategies to reduce unnecessary antibiotic avoidance, improve clinical outcomes, and mitigate healthcare costs.These articles shed light on the distinct challenges and opportunities in allergy care across the Asia-Pacific, highlighting the impact of regionally tailored, multidisciplinary approaches. By addressing key gaps in diagnosis, management, and policy, they offer valuable insights that extend beyond local contexts. As the global allergy community works to improve healthcare delivery and advance knowledge, the findings in this Research Topic lay a strong foundation for future innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions that benefit both the Asia-Pacific and the broader field of immunology and allergy.