Allergic Symptoms In Children Research Articles

Safety of Soy Formula in Children With Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

Cow's milk protein allergy is a common health problem among children. Children with cow's milk protein allergy cannot consume cow's milk or other dairy products because their bodies react to cow's milk proteins. In an effort to meet the nutritional needs of these children, soy formula is a commonly used option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of soy milk formula in children with cow's milk protein allergy. This study used qualitative research methods. The data collection technique was done by literature study. The data that has been collected was then analyzed using three stages namely data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results showed that soy milk formula is generally safe to be given to children with cow's milk protein allergy. Soy milk formula does not cause significant allergic symptoms in children with cow's milk protein allergy. In addition, soy milk formula also fulfills the nutritional needs of children with cow's milk protein allergy. Soy formula contains all the essential nutrients that children need to grow and develop. Based on the results of the study, soy milk formula can be a safe and effective formula option for children with cow's milk protein allergy.

Early life exposure to outdoor air pollution and indoor environmental factors on the development of childhood allergy from early symptoms to diseases

BackgroundThe prevalence of childhood allergies has increased during past decades leading to serious hospitalization and heavy burden worldwide, yet the key factors responsible for the onset of early symptoms and development of diagnosed diseases are unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the role of early life exposure to ambient air pollution and indoor environmental factors on early allergic symptoms and doctor diagnosed allergic diseases. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of 2598 preschool children was conducted at 36 kindergartens in Changsha, China from September of 2011 to February of 2012. A questionnaire was developed to survey each child's early onset of allergic symptoms (wheeze and rhinitis-like symptoms) and doctor diagnosis of allergic diseases (asthma and rhinitis) as well as home environments. Each mother's and child's exposures to ambient air pollutants (PM10, SO2, and NO2) and temperature were estimated for in utero and postnatal periods. The associations of early symptoms and diagnosed diseases with outdoor air pollution and indoor environmental variables were examined by logistic regression models. ResultsChildhood early allergic symptoms (33.9%) including wheeze (14.7%) and rhinitis-like symptoms (25.4%) before 2 years old were not associated with outdoor air pollution exposure but was significantly associated with maternal exposure of window condensation at home in pregnancy with ORs (95% CI) of 1.33 (1.11–1.59), 1.30 (1.01–1.67) and 1.27 (1.04–1.55) respectively, and was associated with new furniture during first year after birth with OR (95% CI) of 1.43 (1.02–2.02) for early wheeze. Childhood diagnosed allergic diseases (28.4%) containing asthma (6.7%) and allergic rhinitis (AR) (7.2%) were significantly associated with both outdoor air pollutants (mainly for SO2 and NO2) during first 3 years and indoor new furniture, redecoration, and window condensation. We found that sex, age, parental atopy, maternal productive age, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), antibiotics use, economic stress, early and late introduction of complementary foods, and outdoor air pollution modified the effects of home environmental exposure in early life on early allergic symptoms and diagnosed allergic diseases. ConclusionOur study indicates that early life exposure to indoor environmental factors plays a key role in early onset of allergic symptoms in children, and further exposure to ambient air pollution and indoor environmental factors contribute to the later development of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Effects of mite allergen avoidance in children in two distant towns in Japan

We investigated the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis and evaluated changes in mite allergen levels on mattresses and allergic symptoms in children after allergen avoidance in two distant regions of Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake. We performed an International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood survey of 49 school children aged 6–10years in Iwanuma in 2017 and 57 school children aged 6–10years in Oiso in 2018, and measured levels of Dermatophagoides group 1 (Der 1) in their bedding. Children in the intervention group attended an allergen avoidance seminar. In the same season the following year, we again measured Der 1 level in bedding and examined changes in allergic symptoms. Children in the non-intervention group did not attend this seminar. The prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis and the types and ages of houses at study entry did not differ between the two towns. At first measurement, the Der 1 level in the intervention group was higher at Iwanuma than at Oiso (P<0.05). The Der 1 level in the intervention group in both towns significantly decreased after implementing allergen avoidance (P<0.01) but did not decrease in either non-intervention group. In each town, symptoms of allergic rhinitis was significantly lower (P<0.05) among children whose Der 1 level were reduced to less than 10% of initial levels. Mite allergen levels in two distant regions in Japan differed slightly. Allergen avoidance ameliorated allergic symptoms in school children.

The Predictive Value Of Umbilical Cord Blood Total IgE Levels In Allergic Diseases

Allergic diseases in children have increased significantly. In recent years, it affects up to 35% of children. The current study aimed to investigate the value of the umbilical cord blood total IgE levels in the prediction of the development of allergic diseases during 8 years of follow-up. Methods — In cross-sectional study included 500 infants who were born in the obstetrics department at Tishreen and Al-Assad University Hospitals during the period 2007-2015. Questionnaires were administered after the birth included gender, gestational age, birth weight, mode and season of delivery, smoking during pregnancy, and family history of allergic diseases. Umbilical cord blood total IgE levels were measured. The infants were followed up for eight years for subsequent development of allergic disorders. Results — 214 (42.8%) of 500 newborns had high umbilical cord blood total IgE levels. We followed 143 of 214 newborns for 8 years; there was an allergic family history in 51.7% of newborns. During the following period, allergic diseases developed in 76.22% of the children with high umbilical cord blood total IgE levels. Allergic symptoms in children varied between nasal allergy (19.6%), skin allergy (eczema and urticarial) (25.2%), childhood asthma (31.5%). The rate of allergic symptoms development in the presence of two factors (family history and high umbilical cord blood total IgE) was 51.7%. Conclusion — We found a high prevalence of allergic diseases in children with high umbilical cord blood total IgE. The current study could be used as a preventative strategy to reduce the risk of allergic diseases by predictive of subsequent.

Mite allergen avoidance decreases allergic symptoms in children in Ishinomaki city of Japan after natural disasters.

We investigated the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in children, evaluated the mite allergen levels in their bedding after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and assessed changes in allergic symptoms in children and their families after allergen avoidance practices. We performed a survey for the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) comprising 1109 children, aged 7-8 years, living in Ishinomaki, Japan. We collected responses from 464 children, and in 2016, measured the level of Dermatophagoides group 1 (Der 1) in the bedding of 202 of these children. The intervention group of children attended at least one allergen avoidance seminar. The levels of Der 1 in their bedding were measured, along with changes in allergic symptoms, in 17 children in 2017 and 14 children in 2018. The nonintervention group comprised children who did not attend an allergen avoidance seminar at any time. Of the 464 children who participated in the ISAAC, 50 (10.8%) reported having asthma, 179 (38.8%) allergic rhinitis, and 126 (27.3%) atopic dermatitis. The average level of Der 1 measured in the bedding of the 202 children in 2016 was 295.8 ng/m2. The levels of Der 1 in the intervention group-but not in the nonintervention group-significantly decreased in 2017 and 2018. The symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in the children of intervention group and their families decreased after allergen avoidance practices. Allergen avoidance practices relieved allergic symptoms in school children after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

P4‐2: Mite allergen avoidance decreases allergic symptoms in children in Ishinomaki City after natural disasters

P4‐2: Mite allergen avoidance decreases allergic symptoms in children in Ishinomaki City after natural disasters

Association between environmental exposure to phthalates and allergic disorders in Korean children: Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2015-2017.

Phthalates are common industrial chemicals that are used as plasticizers in plastics, personal care products, and building materials. Although these chemicals have been suspected as risk factors for allergic outcomes among children, inconsistent associations between environmental exposure to phthalates and allergic disorders have been found across different populations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether environmental phthalate exposure was associated with parent-reported current allergic symptoms (atopic dermatitis, AD; asthma; and allergic rhinitis, AR) and the index of allergic response (levels of serum total immunoglobulin E, IgE) in a nationally representative sample of children. In this study, children aged 3-17 years (n=2208) were recruited from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2015-2017 to conduct an analysis of their current allergic symptoms. Among this number of children, the total IgE analysis included 806 participants because total IgE levels were only measured in children aged 12-17 years. After adjusting for all covariates, mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) [OR (95% CI)=1.15 (1.01, 1.30)], mono-(carboxyoctyl) phthalate (MCOP) [OR (95% CI)=1.35 (1.02, 1.78)], and the sum of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (∑DEHP) [OR (95% CI)=1.39 (1.09, 1.79)] were associated with increased odds of current AD. MCOP [OR (95% CI)=1.19 (1.01, 1.40)], mono-(carboxynonyl) phthalate (MCNP) [OR (95% CI)=1.24 (1.05, 1.45)], and ∑DEHP [OR (95% CI)=1.22 (1.02, 1.44)] were also associated with increased odds of current AR. Individual DEHP metabolites showed similar associations with current AD and AR. In addition, MCNP was positively related to IgE levels [β (95% CI)=0.26 (0.12, 0.40)]. MBzP [OR (95% CI)=1.17 (1.01, 1.35)], MCOP [OR (95% CI)=1.62 (1.12, 2.32)], and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) [OR (95% CI)=1.36 (1.06, 1.76)] showed positive relationships with allergic multimorbidity. Moreover, higher concentrations of MCNP were related to increased odds of experiencing both current AR and total IgE levels [OR (95% CI)=1.98 (1.29, 3.04)], and children with elevated IgE levels (>100IU/mL) were more likely to have current AR associated with MCNP than those without elevated IgE levels (p=0.007). Specifically, the relationship between MCNP and current AR was significantly mediated through alterations in IgE levels (14.7%), and MCNP also showed the positive association with current AR, independent of IgE (85.3%). These results suggest that environmental exposure to phthalates may affect the immune system and increase the occurrence of allergic symptoms in children.

Indoor exposure to phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to Canadian children: the Kingston allergy birth cohort.

Canadian children are widely exposed to phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from indoor sources. Both sets of compounds have been implicated in allergic symptoms in children. We characterize concentrations of eight phthalates and 12 PAHs in floor dust from the bedrooms of 79 children enrolled in the Kingston Allergy Birth Cohort (KABC). Floor dust was collected from the bedrooms of 79 children who underwent skin prick testing for common allergens after their first birthday. Data were collected on activities, household, and building characteristics via questionnaire. Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) and phenanthrene were the dominant phthalate and PAH with median concentrations of 561 µg/g and 341 ng/g, respectively. Benzyl butyl phthalate (BzBP) and chrysene had the highest variations among all tested homes, ranging from 1-95% to 1-99%, respectively. Some phthalates were significantly associated with product and material use such as diethyl phthalate (DEP) with fragranced products and DiNP and DiDP with vinyl materials. Some PAHs were significantly associated with household characteristics, such as benzo[a]pyrene with smoking, and phenanthrene and fluoranthene with the presence of an attached garage. Socioeconomic status (SES) had positive and negative relationships with some concentrations and some explanatory factors. No significant increases in risk of atopy (positive skin prick test) was found as a function of phthalate or PAH dust concentrations.

Coexistence of asthmatic and non-respiratory allergic symptoms in children of Batumi Region, Georgia: occurrence and association with known diagnosis of asthma

Our recent studies showed that in children in the Batumi region, Georgia, underdiagnosis of asthma is 65%, and that not all children with known asthma had a history of allergic disorders. So, we decided to assess the association of known diagnosis of paediatric asthma with asthma-like symptoms and non-respiratory allergic symptoms and diseases using questionnaire-derived data provided by respiratory health survey. Subjects of the cross-sectional population-based study were 3,239 urban and 2,113 rural children aged 5-17 years whose respiratory status was assessed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. For children with a known diagnosis of asthma, the occurrence of respiratory symptoms suggestive of asthmatic tendency and of allergic symptoms and diseases was measured and statistical association of known asthma with the respiratory and allergic symptoms was expressed as odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Respiratory and all allergic symptoms and diseases, except for eczema, were statistically significantly (p < 0.05) more prevalent in children with asthma than in children without asthma. Based on the distribution of asthma vis-à-vis asthmatic tendency without or with allergic symptoms and allergic diseases the following odds ratios expressing likelihood of asthma were obtained: for asthmatic tendency: OR = 18.09 (95% CI: 11.82-27.68), for any allergic symptom: OR = 6.85 (95% CI: 4.69-10.02), for any allergic disease: OR = 10.75 (95% CI: 7.36-15.70), for asthmatic tendency with coexisting any allergic symptom: OR = 18.94 (95% CI: 12.96-27.68), for asthmatic tendency with coexisting any allergic disease: OR = 25.65 (95% CI: 17.47-37.67), and for asthmatic tendency with coexisting any allergic symptom and allergic disease: OR = 27.02 (95% CI: 18.18-40.15). The findings support the view that in epidemiological setting questionnaire-based studies on asthma seems to more readily identify cases in children with more severe clinical presentation of the disease and with coexisting allergic disorders, perhaps reflecting diagnostic practices of consulting paediatricians.

A survey of the background underlying allergic symptoms in children with food allergy induced by accidental ingestion of or contact with the allergen

In recent years, various countermeasures have been adopted in childcare, school settings, and food-related businesses to protect children with food allergies from allergic reactions; however, allergic symptoms induced by accidental ingestion of or contact with food allergens are not uncommon. We conducted a questionnaire survey of parents or guardians of children who were diagnosed with a food allergy for which they were visiting a hospital or clinic to meet an allergy specialist and who exhibited allergic symptoms from accidental ingestion of or contact with the food allergen. From January to July 2019, the parents or guardians of 77 children (median age, 3.0 years) responded to the survey. The most common food allergens were eggs (44.1%) and milk (35.1%), and the most common place of occurrence was the home (52.0%), followed by the childcare center or school (15.6%), and restaurants (14.3%). The most common cause of an allergic reaction stated in the questionnaire was “having eaten or touched the food deemed allergen-free by attending adults” in 46.2%. The most common causative food for 40.3% was one containing allergens that were specifically declared in the food labels, among which the declaration was ignored in 48.4%, and 35.5% were not under supervision. There are several cases in which inadequate verification of allergen labels by the child’s family leads to the onset of allergy symptoms; therefore, we believe that it is important to provide repeated dietary guidance along with routine medical care and for food manufacturers to provide easy-to-understand labels that specify allergens.

Response to Comments to "Assessment of formaldehyde levels in relation to respiratory and allergic symptoms in children from Alba County schools, Romania" by Neamtiu et al. (2019), EMAS-D-19-03278 for Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.

Response to Comments to "Assessment of formaldehyde levels in relation to respiratory and allergic symptoms in children from Alba County schools, Romania" by Neamtiu et al. (2019), EMAS-D-19-03278 for Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.

Comments to "Assessment of formaldehyde levels in relation to respiratory and allergic symptoms in children from Alba County schools, Romania" by Neamtiu et al. (2019).

Comments to "Assessment of formaldehyde levels in relation to respiratory and allergic symptoms in children from Alba County schools, Romania" by Neamtiu et al. (2019).

IL-33 is associated with allergy in children sensitized to the cat

BackgroundSeveral studies suggest that early-life exposure to animal allergens constitutes a relevant risk factor for the development of allergic sensitization. ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to determine the role of interleukin-33 in children sensitive to cat allergen with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. MethodsThe study included 51 children aged 5–18 years, both sexes, allergic to cats. Sensitization to cat allergen was confirmed by skin prick tests or specific IgE. Children were evaluated for the presence of bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis. A questionnaire evaluating the occurrence of allergic symptoms in children after contact with the cat and dog was performed. Mothers completed a questionnaire regarding cat exposure: during pregnancy and having a cat at home. A blood sample was taken from all children to measure the level of IL-33 in the serum. ResultsKeeping a cat in the home, once in the past, or having a cat in the home during the mother’s pregnancy, revealed a statistically significant relationship with IL-33 levels in the studied patients. Also, daily contact with a cat during pregnancy affected the level of IL-33. Higher levels of IL-33 were shown in people with hypersensitivity to cat and pollen allergens and cat and other animals. In patients with bronchial asthma higher levels of IL-33 were found than in patients without bronchial asthma. ConclusionsIncreased serum levels of IL-33 is related with keeping cats during pregnancy and in early childhood and can be associated with the development of asthma in children.

Assessment of formaldehyde levels in relation to respiratory and allergic symptoms in children from Alba County schools, Romania.

Our study assessed the exposure to formaldehyde of Romanian school children in relation to the classroom indoor environment characteristics and respiratory and allergic symptoms reported in a questionnaire survey, using the data collected in the SINPHONIE (Schools Indoor Pollution and Health: Observatory Network in Europe) project. Measurements of formaldehyde and microclimate parameters were conducted in three classrooms per school, in five schools, together with one outdoor measurement at each school. Questionnaires were used to collect information on classroom characteristics and health effects among children. The indoor formaldehyde levels for a school week varied between 15.5 and 66.2μg/m3, with a median value of 34.8μg/m3. The adjusted odds ratios for allergy-like, asthma-like, and flu-like symptoms were 3.23 (95% CI 1.31-8.00), 2.69 (95% CI 1.04-6.97), and 2.39 (95% CI 1.04-5.50), respectively, when exposed to higher formaldehyde levels (≥ 35μg/m3) during a school week, compared to lower formaldehyde level exposure (< 35μg/m3). Higher levels of indoor formaldehyde were significantly associated with health symptoms in children. The high indoor formaldehyde levels were related to the use of water-resistant paint for ceiling coverings, moisture damage signs, and lower classroom natural ventilation rates.

Ragweed pollen and allergic symptoms in children: Results from a three-year longitudinal study

Common ragweed is a highly allergenic invasive species in Europe, expected to become widespread under climate change. Allergy to ragweed manifests as eye, nasal and lung symptoms, and children may retain these throughout life. The dose-response relationship between symptoms and pollen concentrations is unclear. We undertook a longitudinal study, assessing the association between ragweed pollen concentration and allergic eye, nasal and lung symptoms in children living under a range of ragweed pollen concentrations in Croatia. Over three years, 85 children completed daily diaries, detailing allergic symptoms alongside daily location, activities and medication, resulting in 10,130 individual daily entries. The daily ragweed pollen concentration for the children's locations was obtained, alongside daily weather and air pollution. Parents completed a home/lifestyle/medical questionnaire. Generalised Additive Mixed Models established the relationship between pollen concentrations and symptoms, alongside other covariates. Eye symptoms were associated with mean daily pollen concentration over four days (day of symptoms plus 3 previous days); 61 grains/m3/day (95%CI: 45, 100) was the threshold at which 50% of children reported symptoms. Nasal symptoms were associated with mean daily pollen concentration over 12 days (day of symptoms plus 11 previous days); the threshold for 50% of children reporting symptoms was 40 grains/m3/day (95%CI: 24, 87). Lung symptoms showed a relationship with mean daily pollen concentration over 19 days (day of symptoms plus 18 previous days), with a threshold of 71 grains/m3/day (95%CI: 59, 88). Taking medication on the day of symptoms showed higher odds, suggesting responsive behaviour. Taking medication on the day prior to symptoms showed lower odds of reporting, indicating preventative behaviour. Different symptoms in children demonstrate varying dose-response relationships with ragweed pollen concentrations. Each symptom type responded to pollen exposure over different time periods. Using medication prior to symptoms can reduce symptom presence. These findings can be used to better manage paediatric ragweed allergy symptoms.

Mixed Phthalate Ester and Phosphate Flame Retardant Exposure and Asthma and Allergies in School Children

Background: Phthalate esters (PEs) and phosphate flame retardants (PFRs) are widely used in interior materials and consumer products. We have reported individual associations between PE and PFR metabolites in urine and children&amp;#8217;s asthma and allergies, but mixed PEs and PFRs have not yet been studied. Thus, we aimed to find the association between mixed PEs and PFRs and asthma and allergies.Methods: Elementary school children participated in this study. Six PE metabolites were measured using gas chromatography&amp;#8211;mass spectrometry (MS); 13 PFR metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography&amp;#8211;tandem MS. Wheezing, rhino-conjunctivitis (RC), and eczema were evaluated using International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaires. Associations between PE and PFR mixtures, and asthma and allergy risk were studied using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models adjusted for sex, grade, dampness index, annual house income, parent allergy history, and urine creatinine. Estimated weights of PEs and PFRs as WQS indexes were obtained. The sums of &amp;#8805;2 metabolites were calculated as parent compound exposure.Results: Wheezing, RC, eczema, and allergies were prevalent in 29, 46, 36, and 72 of 128 children, respectively. The highest correlations were shown with 5-OH-EHDPHP and &amp;#931;TPhP (Spearman&amp;#8217;s &amp;#961;&amp;#61;0.525, p&amp;lt;0.001), and 5-OH-EHDPHP and &amp;#931;TCIPP (&amp;#961;&amp;#61;0.451, p&amp;lt;0.001). WQS index quartile increases showed higher odds ratios (ORs) of RC (OR&amp;#61;2.83; 95% confidence interval&amp;#61;1.28&amp;#8211;6.64), eczema (2.71; 1.19&amp;#8211;6.58), and any such allergies (6.25; 2.22&amp;#8211;20.68). Top three heavily weighted chemicals were as follows: RC, BDCIPP (w&amp;#61;0.306), &amp;#931;TCIPP (0.311), &amp;#931;TBOEP (0.203); eczema, 5-HO-EHDPHP (0.287), &amp;#931;TBOEP (0.251), BDCIPP (0.168); and any allergies, BDCIPP (0.383), &amp;#931;TBOEP (0.207), &amp;#931;TCIPP (0.156).Conclusion: We found positive associations between mixed PE and PFR exposure and allergies risk. TCIPP, TBOEP, EHDPHP, and TDCIPP are the main chemicals that affect allergic symptoms in children.

Local Atopy in Childhood Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy

Background Although the cause of adenotonsillar hypertrophy remains unknown, some studies have shown that allergy may be a risk factor. Purpose This study determined the levels of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in the adenotonsillar tissues of children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and evaluated the clinical significance of local atopy in adenotonsillar tissues. Methods We measured 21 types of specific immunoglobulin E in the serum and adenotonsillar tissues of 102 children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and compared the sensitization patterns of the serum and local tissues. The patients were divided into three groups-atopy, local atopy, and nonatopy-according to the sensitization of serum and adenotonsillar tissues, and the clinical symptoms among the groups were analyzed. Results Seventy-two (70.6%) children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy were sensitized to more than one allergen in the serum and/or adenotonsillar tissue. Thirty (29.4%) children had no IgE positivity to any allergen in both serum and adenotonsillar tissues. Fifty-five (53.9%) were sensitized to at least one allergen in the serum. Seventy (68.6%) were sensitized to at least one allergen in the adenotonsillar tissue. Seventeen (36.2%) of 47 children with specific immunoglobulin E-negative serum had specific immunoglobulin E-positive adenotonsillar tissues. The rate of specific immunoglobulin E was significantly higher in local tissues than in serum. The rate of inhalant allergen specific immunoglobulin E was significantly higher in the adenoids than in the tonsils. However, the rate of food allergen specific immunoglobulin E was significantly higher in the tonsils than adenoids. The lifetime prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis, recent symptoms or treatment of allergic rhinitis, and severity of nasal symptoms (rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching) were significantly higher in children with local atopy than with nonatopy. Conclusions These results confirm that allergic response may be a risk factor for adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Local allergic inflammation may play an important role in childhood adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and local atopy in adenotonsillar tissues can cause respiratory allergic symptoms in children.

Relationships Between Secondhand Smoke Incursion and Wheeze, Rhinitis, and Eczema Symptoms in Children Living in Homes Without Smokers in Multi-Unit Housing.

Secondhand smoke (SHS) incursion can occur in units of multi-unit housing (MUH). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between SHS incursion and allergic symptoms in children living in MUH without smokers. We conducted a cross-sectional study from May to September 2015 in Seoul, Korea. Children were recruited from elementary schools, kindergartens, and daycare centers. In total, 16676 children between 1 and 13 years of age living in MUH without smokers were included in the analysis. Allergic symptoms during the previous 12 months (current wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema) and home environmental factors, including the frequency of SHS incursion during the previous 12 months, were examined using a questionnaire filled out by the parents or guardians of the children. The prevalence of current allergic symptoms in children was 4.9% for wheeze, 42.0% for rhinitis, and 28.1% for eczema. The prevalence of SHS incursion into the children's homes was 61.6%. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographic and home environmental factors, children living in homes with SHS incursion (either no more than once a month or more than once a month) were more likely to have current wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema than those with no SHS incursion. More than half of the children's homes in MUH without smokers had SHS incursion. SHS incursion into homes was associated with wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema symptoms in children. Children living in multi-unit housing (MUH) can be exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) from smoke transferred from neighboring units with smokers. This study found that more than half of the children's homes without smokers in MUH had SHS incursion. Children living in homes with SHS incursion (either no more than once a month or more than once a month) were more likely to have current wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema than those with no SHS incursion. We confirmed that SHS incursion was associated with allergic symptoms in children.

The Effects of Asian Dust for Allergic Symptoms may be Partly Attributed to PAH-Quinone, Secondarily Formed on the Dust Surface – Observational Study in 3 Regions in Japan

Background/Aim: We showed that Asian dust (AD) exposure is associated with increased risk for exacerbations of asthma and allergic symptoms in children or pregnant women in Japan. AD particles contain anthropogenic pollutants such as PAHs. Further, its catalytic effects promote secondary-formation of chemicals, one of which, PAH-quinone is known to generate ROS in human body, which may contribute to allergic diseases. We estimated how much of the effects of AD are attributed to PAH-quinone. Methods: We conducted an observational study for 3,327 pregnant women during spring and fall in 2011-2013 in 3 regions in Japan as an adjunct study of Japan Environment and Children's Study. There, we timely acquired subjects’ daily allergic-symptoms by sending web-based questionnaires on some days for each participant. We also sampled TSP every day, and measured some PAH-quinones by HPLC. We estimated odds ratio (OR) of log-transformed AD per 1SD-change for occurrence of allergic symptom with interaction term of AD and PAH-quinone in the GEE logistic regression model. Results: Both AD and PAH-quinone showed significant associations with allergic symptom. Interaction term of AD and PAH-quinone was significantly larger than 0 (p&lt;.01), and the OR of AD (per log-transformed 1SD change) when log-transformed PAH-quinone is mean, was 1.12 (95%CI: 1.04-1.22), while the OR was 1.34 when log-transformed PAH-quinone is 1SD above the mean. Conclusions: The effect of AD was significantly exacerbated by the presence of PAH-quinone. We may be able to reduce the effects of AD by reducing PAH emissions.

Food consumption and the risk of childhood allergy.

BackgroundThe prevalence of allergic conditions is increasing in most countries. One possible explanation may be childhood nutrition.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between consumption of pre-specified types of food in school-aged children and presence of respiratory and allergic symptoms.MethodsA total of 191 students aged 9–11 years were recruited from 5 schools to geographically cover all of Malta. Data was collected between October 2011 and February 2012. This was part of a bigger study which included clinical and environmental tests besides standardized health questionnaires. For the purposes of this part of the study only the health questionnaires were used. These standardized health questionnaires based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) were used to identify the presence of respiratory and allergic symptoms and to identify the types of foods and the frequency of consumption of various types of foods.ResultsWe found that milk, meat, butter, olive oil, and yoghurt consumption had a negative association with allergic symptoms in children, whilst fish consumption had a detrimental effect. These relationships remained significant after correction for paternal level of education.ConclusionThe study highlights the fact that nutrition in early childhood may have a significant effect on the risk of allergic conditions. Our results, taken together with data in the literature, suggest that different types of fish might have had different effects. This is probably related to their different fatty acid constitution thus warranting further studies.