[Allergens and nonspecific inducers. Bases for environmental control and prevention in childhood allergy]

Environmental control and preventive measures are reviewed after detailed consideration of antigens which act as allergens and the biological and molecular characteristics of the most frequent allergenic particles as well as the importance of air pollutants, infectious agents and non specific irritants in the allergy sensitization. Dust mites, pollens and mould spores are the most ubiquitous allergens, but in the early childhood trophoallergens are more important than aeroallergens. The purpose of environmental control is avoid or minimize contact of atopic child with allergens and other factors which might predispose to sensitization or induce allergic symptoms. Breast feeding, delayed and controlled introduction of solid foods and avoidance of potentially most allergenic foods by nursing mothers are considered as useful measures, particularly in the allergy-risk children (those with a positive family history).