Allergic Disorders and Immediate Skin Test Reactivity in Finnish Adolescents

Haahtela, Tari; Heiskala, Marja; Suoniemi, Ilpo

doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.1980.tb01790.x

Cited by 92 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Boys had lower PEF and MMEF values than girls, which could, at least in part, be due to the larger proportion of asthmatics among boys (59%) than girls (41%). Boys had more chronic respiratory symptoms and positive skin-prick reactions than girls, which has also been observed in many previous studies [2,11,24,39]. This difference seems to disappear with age and in adolescence girls may even have more respiratory symptoms than boys [15,24,40].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

“…In the study of PÖYSÄ et al [5] (1991), the prevalence included children who had both doctor-diagnosed asthma and clinical symptoms during the previous year. In southeastern Finland, a prevalence of 4.2% was reported among 708 adolescents aged 15-17 yrs in the late 1970s [11]. The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma was 1.0% in 1979 and 2.8% in 1991 among a representative sample of Finnish children aged 12-18 yrs [12].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, in a study from England, 63% of wheezy children had at least one positive skin test reaction compared to 37% among children with dry cough [37]. In unselected populations, the prevalence is lower and usually varies between 17 and 39% [11,15,32,[34][35][36].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prevalence and characteristics of children with chronic respiratory symptoms in eastern Finland

Timonen¹,

Pekkanen²,

Korppi³

et al. 1995

Eur Respir J

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P Pr re ev va al le en nc ce e a an nd d c ch ha ar ra ac ct te er ri is st ti ic cs s o of f c ch hi il ld dr re en n w wi it th h c ch hr ro on ni ic c r re es sp pi ir ra at to or ry y s sy ym mp pt to om ms s i in n e ea as st te er rn n F Fi in nl la an nd d ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of asthma and asthma-related symptoms in Finland. We also wondered whether chronic cough may be an indicator of occult asthma. Prevalence and characteristics of children with doctor-diagnosed asthma and chronic respiratory symptoms were investigated in 7-12 year old school children from eastern Finland by using a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. In addition, skin-prick tests, flow-volume spirometry, and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) measurements were performed in children reporting chronic respiratory symptoms.The parent-reported prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma was 4.4%, of wheezing 5.4%, of attacks of shortness of breath with wheezing 4.6%, and of dry cough at night 12%. Children with dry cough only (n=195) had less frequent parental asthma, self-reported allergies, daily respiratory medication, and moisture stains or molds at home than asthmatic children (n=180), but these findings were more frequent than among asymptomatic children (n=2,169). The prevalence of at least one positive skin-prick test result was 79% among the asthmatic children and 55% among children with dry cough only. There were no differences between the two symptom groups in serum total IgE levels and spirometric lung functions, except in maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) values, which were significantly lower among children with asthmatic symptoms.The present results support the hypothesis that chronic cough may be an indicator of occult asthma. Therefore, to improve the sensitivity of respiratory questionnaires designed to detect asthma, they should also include questions on chronic cough. In contrast to what has been suggested previously, the prevalence of childhood asthma in eastern Finland was similar to the prevalences reported from other parts of Finland and from other Western European countries.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prevalence and characteristics of children with chronic respiratory symptoms in eastern Finland

Timonen¹,

Pekkanen²,

Korppi³

et al. 1995

Eur Respir J

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“…[77][78][79] One study points to between 7.5 % and 19 % asymptomatic sensitisations among Finnish schoolchildren. 80 Skin test reactivity to inhalant allergens is reduced in asymptomatic sensitisations when compared with symptomatic patients. 81 Asymptomatic sensitisation is generally considered a premorbid state of allergic disease, and has been proven to be a risk factor for the development of allergic rhinitis in children and young adults.…”

Section: Reading and Interpretationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Skin prick tests and allergy diagnosis

Antunes

Borrego

Romeira

et al. 2009

Allergologia et Immunopathologia

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Skin testing remains an essential diagnostic tool in modern allergy practice. A signifi cant variability has been reported regarding technical procedures, interpretation of results and documentation. This review has the aim of consolidating methodological recommendations through a critical analysis on past and recent data. This will allow a better understanding on skin prick test (SPT) history; technique; (contra-) indications; interpretation of results; diagnostic pitfalls; adverse reactions; and variability factors. Skin has an important physiological role in the internal balance homeostasis and constitutes a crucial barrier against external aggressions, with well-known immunological properties. 1 It has been used by allergists for decades as an easily assessed laboratory of the immunological status of the individual.The fi rst skin testing technique was developed by Charles H. Blackley in 1865, a Manchester homeopathic physician with allergic rhinitis. He abraded a quarter-inch area of his skin with a lancet and then applied grass pollen grains. 2 The so-called scratch test was later adopted by Schloss for the diagnosis of food allergy in children. 3 Epicutaneous tests can be divided into scratch tests and prick/puncture tests. The fi rst method, proposed by Blackley 2 , implied a linear scratch without drawing blood and could either be performed fi rst, with the extract then dropped on the abraded skin, or be made through a drop of extract. 4 Although it was used extensively in the past, this technique became progressively obsolete due to patient discomfort, poor reproducibility, possible residual lesions and newer and innocuous procedures. 4 Therefore, scratch test is mentioned here for historical purposes only. It was Sir Thomas Lewis who, in 1924, fi rst applied skin prick tests (SPT). 5 Nevertheless, their generalised use in clinical practice only became a reality about 30 years ago, as a result of technique modifi cations proposed by Pepys. 6 For the purpose of this review and for easier comprehension, skin testing will be referred interchangeably as SPT, whatever device is used for its application.In 1966, Ishizaka's work on immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immediate hypersensitivity reactions 7 established the scientifi c corpus to what was done till then on a strictly empiric basis.As written by Dr Walzer in 1974, "the fact that skin testing has not turned out to be a simple and completely reliable technique does not detract from the fact that, when it is intelligently and skilfully performed, it remains the most effective diagnostic procedure in reaginic allergic disorders". 8 The reliability of skin testing and proper documentation of test results are essential in allergy practice. A recent survey to all physician members and fellows of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology practicing in the

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“…The prevalence of allergies has increased in Finland over recent decades (Haahtela et al, 1980;Rimpelä et al, 1995;Huurre et al, 2004). The current prevalence of allergenic rhinitis among the Finnish population is estimated as 15-25% (Remes et al, 1998;Huurre et al, 2004).…”

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confidence: 99%