Clinical characterization and IgE profiling of birch (Betula verrucosa)--allergic individuals suffering from allergic reactions to raw fruits and vegetables.

Background: Hypersensitivity to raw fruits and vegetables is often associated with respiratory allergy to birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen and is considered to be the most prevalent form of food allergy in adults sensitized to birch pollen.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the association of clinical allergy and IgE profiles in individuals with birch pollen allergy and hypersensitivity to raw fruits and vegetables.

Methods: A total of 59 adults with clinical and skin prick test confirmed birch pollen allergy were included in the study.

Clinical relevance is associated with allergen-specific wheal size in skin prick testing.

Background: Within a large prospective study, the Global Asthma and Allergy European Network (GA(2) LEN) has collected skin prick test (SPT) data throughout Europe to make recommendations for SPT in clinical settings.

Objective: To improve clinical interpretation of SPT results for inhalant allergens by providing quantitative decision points.

Methods: The GA(2) LEN SPT study with 3068 valid data sets was used to investigate the relationship between SPT results and patient-reported clinical relevance for each of the 18 inhalant allergens as well as SPT wheal size and physician-diagnosed allergy (rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergy).

[Quality to allegy testing and interpretation of its results].

Medication and immunotherapy for allergy and guidance for the avoidance of allergens are determined on the basis of a skin-prick test. The testing must be performed in a standardized manner of good quality. Testing quality is not in accord with the present-day requirements everywhere.

Clustered sensitivity to fungi: anaphylactic reactions caused by ingestive allergy to yeasts.

Background: Respiratory allergy to environmental molds is relatively common, and fungal allergen-specific reactivity seems to cluster in certain persons. However, generalized reactions caused by ingested fungi have seldom been described.

Objective: To describe a mold-sensitized patient who developed multiple anaphylactic reactions after ingesting a yeast preparation widely used by the food industry as flavoring in, for example, powdered and ready-made sauces.

Levocetirizine for treatment of immediate and delayed mosquito bite reactions.

People frequently experience whealing and delayed papules from mosquito bites. Various antihistamines have previously been tried for the treatment of this condition. We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with levocetirizine 5 mg and matched placebo in 30 adults who were sensitive to mosquito bites.