MELIUS

Allergic diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases, affecting over one in five children and nearly one in three adults in Germany. Hay fever, asthma, and atopic dermatitis are common complaints and significantly burden the healthcare system. Climate-related environmental changes can lead to higher allergen exposure and negatively impact health and quality of life. Researchers in the MELIUS project aim to investigate this trend and develop recommendations tailored to the affected individuals' living conditions. The research team will analyze health insurance claims data and environmental data to assess the additional burden on the healthcare system caused by environment-related allergic conditions and identify risk factors. Affected individuals will also be surveyed about the impact of climate change on their health and quality of life. Moreover, the project assesses the future occurrence of allergic diseases in different climate scenarios. Based on the research findings, the project will develop effective treatment pathways for allergic diseases that take these climate factors into account. The results are incorporated into information material for patients and are intended to support both doctors and patients in taking preventive measures against allergies. An additional benefit will be achieved when the results are integrated into the electronic medical records of patients.