Approach to children with IgE-mediated food allergy with a focus on oral allergy syndrome
10.4168/aard.2024.12.2.78
- Author:
Eun Kyo HA
1
;
Ju Hee KIM
;
Jeewon SHIN
;
Youn Ho SHIN
;
Hye Mi JEE
;
Man Yong HAN
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease
2024;12(2):78-84
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:EN
-
Abstract:
Purpose:To assess the prevalence of food allergy, with a focus on oral allergy syndrome (OAS) in a population of children and to investigate relevant allergen sensitization associated with these adverse reactions.
Methods:This study involved 1,660 children (aged 4 to 13 years) experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms, who were enrolled in the 2015 prospective Seongnam Atopy Project (SAP 2015) in a South Korean municipality. Parents completed a structured questionnaire to assess children with OAS, collecting information on the duration, severity, and factors related to symptoms. Skin prick tests (n = 498) and blood sampling (n= 464) were performed to measure allergic sensitizations, total eosinophil counts, and levels both total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and birch-specific IgE.
Results:The prevalence of OAS among the children enrolled in this study was 4.4% (95% confidence interval, 3.7%–5.1%). The most common symptom was mouth itching (n= 106, 65.0%), and the primary food allergen associated with symptoms was kiwi (n= 48, 29.5%). Peanut sensitization (14.8% vs. 57.1%, P< 0.001) and sensitization to other nut products (15.6% vs. 47.6%, P= 0.001) were linked to a higher incidence of systemic reactions.
Conclusion:The prevalence of 4.4% underscores the significant health impact of OAS, especially in children experiencing food allergy-related symptoms. Notably, common allergens, such as kiwi, and the potential for additional systemic reactions associated with this condition highlight the importance of raising awareness.
