Sensitization (IgE antibody) to food allergens in wheezing infants and children

Immedia te hypersensitivity to food allergens in children develops early in life and is most often associated with symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD).I, 2 However , the relationship between IgEmedia ted food hypersensitivity and symptoms of wheezing in young children is not well defined, and there are few guidelines about the use of tests for food sensitization in evaluating these children. In a recent study we repor ted the prevalence of viral infections, IgE ant ibody to inhaled allergens, and exposure to tobacco smoke in children t reated for acute attacks of wheezing in an emergency depart° m e n t ? The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of IgE antibodies to c o m m o n food allergens in the same nonselected populat ion.