Frequency of Asthma and Atopic Diseases in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Celiac Disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Allergology
• Immunology

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease (CeD) are chronic immune-mediated conditions.
• Comorbidities between gastrointestinal and allergic diseases are increasingly recognized.
• Understanding shared risk factors and disease pathways is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of asthma and allergic conditions in pediatric patients diagnosed with IBD versus CeD.
• To utilize the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire for data collection.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in pediatric gastroenterology and pulmonology outpatient clinics.
• Patients aged 6–18 years with confirmed diagnoses of CeD or IBD (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) were enrolled.
• Socio-demographic data and allergy-related information were gathered using the ISAAC questionnaire.

Main Results:

• The study included 83 patients with CeD, 42 with ulcerative colitis, and 28 with Crohn's disease.
• No significant differences were observed in the frequency of wheezing, allergic rhinitis, nasal steroid use, or eczema history between the groups.
• Atopic dermatitis was significantly more prevalent in the celiac disease cohort compared to the IBD groups.

Conclusions:

• Asthma and general atopy rates are comparable between pediatric patients with CeD and IBD.
• Atopic dermatitis represents a specific allergic comorbidity that is more common in children with CeD.
• Further research may elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking these conditions.