[The allergy syndrome in childhood. Immunologic principles--risk factors--prevention]

The time of manifestation, severity and clinical course of atopic diseases are primarily determined by genetic factors. However, a number of environmental influences, like exposure to allergens and adjuvant trigger factors are modulating the clinical course. The risk for atopic disease can be predicted from cord blood IgE levels and the atopic family history of first degree relatives. Since no predictor is of sufficient sensitivity and specificity, there is a need for further predictors of atopy. Different prevention strategies, i.e. effect of early infant diet and maternal food avoidance during pregnancy or lactation are discussed.