The Majority of Children Sensitized Before School-Age Develop Allergic Disease Before Adulthood: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study

• Background: Allergic sensitization increases the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis, but the impact of age at onset of sensitization is less studied. Objective: To examine the cumulative incidence of asthma and rhinitis up to age 19 years in relation to age at onset of sensitization to airborne allergens. Method: All children in grade 1 and 2 (median age, 8 years) in 2 municipalities in Northern Sweden were invited to undergo skin prick tests and answer a questionnaire about allergic diseases, and 88% participated. At ages 12 and 19 years, the protocol was repeated, and 1510 individuals participated in all 3 examinations. Specific IgE data were collected in a random sample at age 19 years (n = 770). Onset of sensitization was defined: 8 years or less, 8 to 12 years, 12 to 19 years, and never sensitized. Adjusted Poisson regression was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs). Results: At 19 years, those sensitized at 8 years of age or earlier had the highest risk of asthma (RR, 4.68; 95% CI, 3.15-6.97) and rhinitis (RR, 22.3; 95% CI, 13.3-37.6), and 84% had developed either asthma or rhinitis. The combination of sensitization at age 8 years or earlier and family history of allergic diseases rendered high risks for asthma (RR, 10.6; 95% CI, 6.71-16.7) and rhinitis (RR, 36.3; 95% CI, 18.9-69.7). Individuals sensitized at age 8 years or earlier showed significantly highest level of sensitization, as judged by number of positive skin test results and titers of specific IgE. Conclusions: Most individuals with sensitization at age 8 years or earlier developed asthma or rhinitis before young adulthood. The high level of sensitization in those sensitized early contributes to the high incidence of allergic airway conditions. © 2021 The Authors

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Pediatrik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Pediatrics (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Lungmedicin och allergi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Immunologi inom det medicinska området (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Immunology in the medical area (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Allergic sensitization

Asthma

Cohort study

Longitudinal study

Rhinitis

Allergic sensitization

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