Food challenges in children with asthma

UNLABELLED: Food-induced symptoms are often reported and increasing problem, also for children with asthma. Evaluation of the possibility of concomitant food allergy in patients with asthma and implementation of adequate therapy can improve quality of life in these patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of IgE food allergy and the influence of food allergen ingestion on the course of asthma in children allergic to inhalant allergens during food challenges. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study performed in 304 children with atopic asthma (age: 5.5-18 years, mean 9.5 +/- 4.69 years) was directed towards the possibility of concomitant food allergy. In each child a detailed questionnaire examination, skin prick tests with food allergens, double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) were performed, and the level of specific IgE was determined (Unicap 100). RESULTS: On the basis of questionnaire data suspicion of food allergy was determined in 164 (66.9%) children. Skin prick tests with food allergens were positive in 36 (21.9%) children. Specific food IgE were detected in 40 (24.4%) children. DBPCFC were performed in 70 children with atopic asthma. IgE-related food allergy was diagnosed in 24 (9.8%) children with asthma. The most frequent complaints during food challenges were gastrointestinal symptoms and exacerbation of atopic eczema; exacerbation of asthma, mainly in the form of cough were determined in 11 (4.5%) children; egg appeared to be the most common food associated with a positive challenge result. CONCLUSIONS: Food allergy more often occurred in children with asthma and concomitant skin and gastrointestinal disorders than in those only with asthma. The diagnosis of possible concomitant food allergy should be considered in children with asthma.