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Published on: June 4, 2017
Frequency and clinical features of pollen-food syndrome in children
H Guvenir1, E Dibek Misirlioglu1, B Buyuktiryaki1
1Ankara Child Health and Diseases Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Pollen-food syndrome (PFS) affects 3.3% of children with pollen allergies, often causing mild oral symptoms. However, severe reactions like anaphylaxis are possible, necessitating thorough patient evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Pollen-food syndrome (PFS) involves allergic reactions to fresh foods in pollen-allergic individuals.
- The prevalence and characteristics of PFS in children are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and clinical presentation of PFS in pediatric patients with pollen-induced allergic rhinitis (AR).
Main Methods:
- Study conducted in a pediatric allergy outpatient clinic.
- Included pollen-induced seasonal AR patients experiencing symptoms after consuming fresh fruits/vegetables.
Main Results:
- 22 out of 672 (3.3%) pollen-sensitized children had PFS.
- Peach was the most common trigger; 91% had oral symptoms, 9% experienced anaphylaxis.
- Female gender, atopic dermatitis history, and family history of allergies were risk factors.
Conclusions:
- PFS occurs in children with pollen-induced AR, typically with mild symptoms.
- Comprehensive evaluation is crucial as severe systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur.
Background:
Pollen-food syndrome (PFS) is an allergic reaction to fresh fruits, vegetables and/or nuts that can occur in patients who are allergic to pollen. The prevalence of PFS in children is not clearly known.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical features of PFS in pediatric patients with pollen-induced allergic rhinitis (AR).
Method:
This study was conducted in the pediatric allergy outpatient clinic of our hospital. Pollen-induced seasonal AR patients who were evaluated for any symptoms appearing after consuming any fresh fruits and vegetables.
Results:
Six hundred and seventy-two pollen-sensitized patients were included in this study. The symptoms related to PFS were reported in 22 (3.3%) patients. The median age of the patients was 12.3 years and 59% (n=13) were female. Peach was the most common culprit (22%). There were isolated oropharyngeal symptoms in 20 (91%) patients and anaphylaxis in two (9%) patients with the suspected food. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender, history of atopic dermatitis and allergic diseases in the family were the potential risk factors for PFS [Odds ratio 95%CI: 3.367 (1.344-8.435), 5.120 (1.935-13.550), 3.046 (1.239-7.492), respectively].
Conclusion:
PFS can be seen in children who are followed up for pollen-induced AR. The symptoms of PFS are usually mild and transient. However, comprehensive evaluation of patients is important since serious systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis can also be observed.
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