IS ASTHMA AN ENDOCRINE DISEASE

The prevalence of pediatric asthma has increased in many parts of the world. This increase started more than 30 years ago and is particularl y obvious in studies which document the onset of asthma in native popu lations when they change to a ''Western'' lifestyle. Besides a genetic influence, numerous environmental factors have been described for the development of asthma. Genetic factors are unlikely to explain the sh arp increase within the short time period and also allergen and pollut ion exposure or any specific infection does not actually seem to be th e main cause for this phenomenon. Another factor, however, that fits w ell into the geographical and temporal background of the asthma epidem ic is the mother's oral contraceptive use. We therefore review the epi demiological association with later asthma in the children, give a sum mary of estrogen effects on immune function and develop a preliminary theory how oral contraception could influence later pregnancy.