Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis
Published on: December 20, 2024
Improving the management of atopic disease
1Division of Infection, Inflammation and Repair, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. s.holgate@soton.ac.uk
Insights
Accurate allergy diagnosis is crucial as only 30-40% of chronic allergic symptoms stem from true allergies. This review explores allergy management, diagnostic testing, and alternative causes for common allergic-type symptoms in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Allergology
- Immunology
Background:
- Allergic diseases like asthma, eczema, and rhinitis are increasingly prevalent in children, especially in Western countries.
- Symptoms mimicking allergies can arise from non-allergic causes, complicating diagnosis.
- Accurate allergy diagnosis is vital for appropriate patient management and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current management strategies for allergic conditions in children.
- To present evidence on the proportion of allergic-type symptoms actually caused by allergy.
- To identify differential diagnoses for common allergic-type symptoms and discuss allergy testing options.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on allergic diseases, symptom prevalence, and diagnostic methods.
- Analysis of evidence regarding the attribution of symptoms to allergy versus other causes.
- Examination of various allergy testing modalities and their utility.
Main Results:
- Only 30-40% of chronic allergic-type symptoms are typically attributed to true allergies.
- Numerous non-allergic conditions can present with symptoms similar to allergic diseases.
- Allergy testing plays a key role, with options available for both allergists and non-allergists.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing true allergies from other causes of similar symptoms is essential for effective pediatric care.
- A thorough diagnostic approach, including appropriate allergy testing, is necessary.
- Understanding the limitations and differential diagnoses is crucial for managing children with allergic-type symptoms.
Abstract:
Asthma, wheeze, eczema, and, to a certain extent, rhinitis are very common conditions among children. The prevalence of allergic disease in the general population has increased alarmingly over the past 25 years, particularly in Western industrialised countries. However, it is important to remember that the symptoms often associated with allergy can have other aetiologies. Evidence suggests that in most circumstances, only 30-40% of chronic allergic-type symptoms are due to allergy. Accurate diagnosis of the presence of allergy is therefore an important issue, particularly given the interventions that such a diagnosis may initiate. In this review, we examine management options for allergy, provide the evidence as to what proportions of patients with common allergic-type symptoms are actually allergic, and list other causes of such symptoms. The importance of allergy testing and the options available are described, particularly with reference to the role of the non-allergist.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...