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Allergen sensitisation in asthmatic children: consecutive case series
1Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi
|February 15, 2001
Summary
In Hong Kong, most asthmatic children show sensitivity to indoor allergens like house dust mites, but not food allergens. Asthma severity correlates with sensitivity to pet and cockroach allergens.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
- Allergen sensitization plays a significant role in asthma development and exacerbation.
- Understanding allergen patterns in specific populations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of aero-allergen and food allergen sensitization in asthmatic children in Hong Kong.
- To explore the relationship between atopy and asthma severity in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive case series of 204 asthmatic children was studied.
- Methods included skin prick testing, spirometry, and assessment of immunoglobulin E levels.
- Data on asthma control and demographics were collected via questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 83.3% of children had atopy, with house dust mites being the most common aero-allergen (81.9%).
- Food allergen sensitization was found in 23.0% of patients.
- Asthma severity correlated with positive skin prick tests to animal and cockroach allergens.
Conclusions:
- Indoor aero-allergen sensitization is common in Chinese children with mild-to-moderate asthma.
- Food allergen sensitization is less prevalent in this group.
- The study highlights the link between specific allergen sensitivities and asthma severity.