TITLE:
Allergies in Children: What’s New?—A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
AUTHORS:
Daniela Simoncini, Anna Peirolo, Alberto Macchi, Stefania Porcu, Daniela Graziani, Luigi Nespoli
KEYWORDS:
Allergies, Environment, Asthma, Rhinitis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.5 No.4,
November
30,
2015
ABSTRACT: Background: The prevalence of respiratory allergies is increasing
worldwide, with important consequences especially for little children.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory
allergies, such as rhinitis and asthma, and to point out the risk factors and
their relationship with allergic diseases in a specific area of Northern Italy.
Methods: 110 children, male and female, from our outpatient service for
allergic children, between 3 and 17 years old, were examined. After a skin
prick test and a nasal cytology, the written questionnaire of the International
Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was filled by parents together with
their children. Results: 110 children were examined. 74% of children had
rhinitis and 71% asthma. 88 patients were allergic, grass pollen and house dust
mite was the most frequent allergens. A family history of atopy, family
background, geographic area, active and passive smoking and home pets were
associated to allergies. Older children (6 - 15 years old) had more often
rhinitis associated with asthma and conjunctivitis as compared to younger. 21
Children were also affected by non allergic rhinitis. Conclusions: Respiratory
allergies are widespread and associated to a low quality of life among little
children. Sensitization to Ragweed is increasing with important consequences.
Rhinitis precedes the onset of asthmatic symptoms. Moreover non allergic
rhinitis is increasing and frequently underdiagnosed.