Prevalence of allergens in children: a single centre experience

Background: The exact epidemiological data on the allergic disorders, food sensitization and probable food allergy in Indian children is lacking. In this study, as an attempt to address the paucity of data in Indian children, the clinical profile of allergies and common allergens among children <18 years was described by identifying the allergens by skin prick test (SPT) and IgE immunocap. This may help the clinician to treat allergies better and administer appropriate immunotherapy. Methods: This prospective observational study aimed to estimate the prevalence of allergens in children with symptoms of allergy. Identification of specific allergens using Skin prick test (SPT) and IgE based tests, assessing various allergies and understand the parent’s insight towards allergy were the objectives. Results: In 108 children, bronchial asthma (62.9%), allergic rhinitis (53.7%), atopic dermatitis (9.2%), allergic conjunctivitis (5.5%), urticaria (5.5%), and food allergy (1.85%) were the specific allergies.SPT (n=101) was positive in 71.3% and IgE Immunocap (n=07) in two. Children were most sensitive to aeroallergens (House dust mite 75.3%, fungus/mould 35%, pollen 32.4%) than food allergens (2.5%). Among children with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma (n=28), 78.5% showed positive SPT to Dermatophagoides farinae (68.1%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (63.6%). Among parents, 26.85% thought the symptoms were due to allergy but 79.31% children were positive to either SPT/IgE test. Remaining (73.15%) who thought otherwise, 74.68% of their children showed positive allergy tests. Conclusions: Aeroallergens are more common in children with allergy. Dust mite is the commonest allergen. Only few parents rightly thought that their children had allergy.