Predictors of Clinical Food Allergy in Patients with Pollen Rhinitis

Abstract

RATIONALE: Since it has been reported that there is a relationship between sensitization to pollen and food allergens, we studied the potential predictive factors of clinical food allergy in patients with pollen rhinitis. METHODS: 183 patients with rhinitis and who were skin prick test (SPT) positive to pollen allergens were included. SPT with a panel of food allergens was performed in patients that related symptoms with food. Gender, age-group and SPT were evaluated as predictors. At univariate level we used the chi square test and at multivariate level logistic regression. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Olea (38%), grass pollen (36%), Parietaria (35%), Platanus (31%), Cupressus (23%) and Artemisia (10%) were the most common pollen sensitization. A total of 22 patients (12%) related symptoms with foods. Nuts (91%) and cereals (27%) were the more frequently impli cated food allergens. At multivariate level the associated factors to food sensitization were to show positive SPT to Artemisia (OR=53.32; CI: 11.15-254.99), Platanus (OR=6.92; CI: 1.94-24.6), grass pollen (OR=4.95; CI: 1.36-18.06) and an age lower than 20 years (OR=4,35: CI: 0.95-19.91). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of clinical food allergy among patients with pollen allergic rhinitis is relatively frequent. The stronger predictors were a positive SPT to Artemisia, Platanus or grass pollen. However, gender, Olea, Parietaria and Cupressus pollen were not associated predictors.