The Majority of Children Sensitized Before School-Age Develop Allergic Disease Before Adulthood: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study

Abstract

Allergic sensitization increases the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis, but the impact of age at onset of sensitization is less studied. To examine the cumulative incidence of asthma and rhinitis up to age 19 years in relation to age at onset of sensitization to airborne allergens. All children in grade 1 and 2 (median age, 8 years) in 2 municipalities in Northern Sweden were invited to undergo skin prick tests and answer a questionnaire about allergic diseases, and 88% participated. At ages 12 and 19 years, the protocol was repeated, and 1510 individuals participated in all 3 examinations. Specific IgE data were collected in a random sample at age 19 years (n= 770). Onset of sensitization was defined: 8 years or less, 8 to 12 years, 12 to 19 years, and never sensitized. Adjusted Poisson regression was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs). At 19 years, those sensitized at 8 years of age or earlier had the highest risk of asthma (RR, 4.68; 95% CI, 3.15-6.97) and rhinitis (RR, 22.3; 95% CI, 13.3-37.6), and 84% had developed either asthma or rhinitis. The combination of sensitization at age 8 years or earlier and family history of allergic diseases rendered high risks for asthma (RR, 10.6; 95% CI, 6.71-16.7) and rhinitis (RR, 36.3; 95% CI, 18.9-69.7). Individuals sensitized at age 8 years or earlier showed significantly highest level of sensitization, as judged by number of positive skin test results and titers of specific IgE. Most individuals with sensitization at age 8 years or earlier developed asthma or rhinitis before young adulthood. The high level of sensitization in those sensitized early contributes to the high incidence of allergic airway conditions.