Age-specific prevalence of outdoor and indoor aeroallergen sensitization in Boston

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2010 Jun;49(6):579-85. doi: 10.1177/0009922809354326. Epub 2010 Jan 13.

Abstract

Questions exist regarding the appropriate age for referral of an atopic child to an allergist for environmental skin prick testing. This study evaluates age-specific prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens from infancy through adolescence. A total of 1394 patients were skin tested, with 57.2% being sensitized to at least 1 aeroallergen. In children younger than 2, the authors found that 26.5% were sensitized, including to dogs (15.5%) and cats (9.2%). Additionally, tree sensitization was demonstrated in the youngest age group (7.8% at 0-2 years; 17.1% at 2-4 years), including in 3 infants less than 1 year old. Sensitization rates to dust mites and trees were the highest in all ages above 4 years, with a peak tree sensitization of 56.4% at 10 to 12 years and a peak dust mite sensitization of 56.8% in the >12 group. Overall, the authors observed increasing sensitization rates throughout childhood for indoor and outdoor aeroallergens (P < .001). Aeroallergen sensitization begins at a young age and increases during childhood.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Distribution
  • Air Pollutants / adverse effects
  • Air Pollutants / immunology*
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / adverse effects*
  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Asthma / epidemiology
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Boston / epidemiology
  • Cats
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Dogs
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / epidemiology*
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity / physiopathology
  • Immunization*
  • Male
  • Mites / immunology
  • Pollen / immunology
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Skin Tests
  • Urban Population

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Allergens