Sensitization to different pollens and allergic disease in 4-year-old Swedish children.

Background: Although the relationship between sensitization to different inhalant allergens in adolescents and adults has been intensively studied, information concerning sensitization in children is scarce in particular to pollens.

Objectives: In 4-year-old children to elucidate the pollen immunoglobulin (IgE) antibody profile (birch only, timothy only and combinations of three pollens (birch, timothy or mugwort) and to relate the results to other inhalant and food allergens, as well as the presence of allergic diseases.

Methods: A total of 2551 4-year-old children belonging to a prospective birth cohort, which has been followed longitudinally (BAMSE), were investigated with respect to IgE antibodies to pollen and other inhalant and food allergens, and expression of allergic disease, based on questionnaire data.

Antibody profiles and self-reported symptoms to pollen-related food allergens in grass pollen-allergic patients from northern Europe.

Background: Most studies on pollen-related food allergy have so far focused on the association of birch/weed pollen allergens and plant food allergy. The aim of this study was to elucidate the allergen spectrum among a group of grass pollen-allergic patients from northern Europe and to relate the results to clinical histories of pollen-related food allergy.

Methods: Fifty-eight grass pollen-allergic patients answered a questionnaire regarding allergy to foods.