Effects of food allergens on asthma exacerbations in schoolchildren with atopic asthma

Although the prevalence with which food causes asthma is not well known, food allergy is implicated in a variety of respiratory symptoms. Eighty-two asthmatic children aged 6-16 years with doctor-diagnosed sensitization to inhalants and presenting with asthma exacerbation participated in this study of food allergies linked to asthma exacerbations. The diagnosis of food allergy was established using a questionnaire, clinical criteria, serum-specific IgE antibody measurements, and an atopy patch test. Asthma exacerbation was determined using fractional exhaled nitric oxide management after the children were admitted to the hospital. On the basis of questionnaire data, suspected food allergy was identified in 59.8% children. The positive and negative rates of serum food-specific IgE tests were 54.9% and 45.1%, respectively. The results of atopy patch tests in radioallergosorbent-positive participants were 88.9% positive and 12.5% negative. Food allergy is a risk factor for asthma exacerbation, and evaluation of food allergy in selected patients with asthma is indicated.