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Prevalence of pollen sensitization in younger children who have asthma

Paul R Ogershok1, Daniel J Warner, Mary Beth Hogan

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.

Allergy and Asthma Proceedings
|January 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Young children with asthma can be sensitized to pollen. Skin testing for outdoor allergens is recommended for children aged 1-3 years with asthma and seasonal symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Environmental Allergens
  • Asthma Research

Background:

  • Pollen sensitization is often considered unlikely in young children.
  • Skin testing for allergens is typically deferred in this age group.
  • Asthma in young children is frequently attributed to indoor allergens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of positive skin tests to outdoor allergens in children with asthma.
  • To evaluate pollen sensitization in children aged 6 months to 10 years.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding allergy testing in pediatric asthma.

Main Methods:

  • A 10-year retrospective study of 687 children with asthma (6 months to 10 years).
  • Skin-prick testing performed for individual aeroallergens (trees, grasses, weeds) and indoor allergens (dust mites, pets, molds, cockroaches).
  • Analysis of sensitization rates based on age and allergen type.

Main Results:

  • No sensitization to pollens observed in children under 12 months.
  • Pollen sensitization incidence reached 29% in children aged 12-24 months.
  • By age 3, children were equally likely to be sensitized to pollen or indoor allergens.
  • 49% of 3- and 4-year-olds showed sensitization to outdoor allergens.
  • Short ragweed, box elder, and June grass were primary sensitizing pollens.
  • Pollen sensitization was not linked to smoke exposure.
  • Nearly 40% of 1- to 3-year-olds demonstrated IgE-mediated sensitivity to outdoor allergens.

Conclusions:

  • Young children with asthma can exhibit significant sensitization to outdoor allergens.
  • Pediatric allergists should consider skin-prick testing for local aeroallergens in young asthmatic children with seasonal symptoms.
  • Current clinical beliefs may underestimate the role of outdoor allergens in pediatric asthma.

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