One-year investigation of nut allergy cases in children referred to the allergy clinic of the children's medical center

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of allergy to tree nuts is spreading worldwide. Allergy to tree nuts causes more severe clinical symptoms and anaphylaxis attacks are more likely. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the cases of tree nut allergy among children referred to the allergy clinic of the Children's Medical Center in a period of one year (from the beginning of 2018 to its end). Methods: There were 1920 children with a history of atopic disease (asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria) with a history of type I allergic reactions. Eighty seven patients with skin, digestive, respiratory symptoms or anaphylaxis after consuming tree nuts were included in the study. A skin test was performed for most of these people, and in some cases, the serum specific IgE level against the desired nuts was requested, and after confirming the positive history of allergy by the mentioned tests, a questionnaire containing 26 questions was completed by the parents to complete the information. Findings: The prevalence of allergy to tree nuts in the studied population was 4.5%. Allergy to almonds is at the top with a frequency of 62.1%. Totally, 55.2% of the patients were males.