小児と成人の花粉・食物アレルギー症候群の検討

抄録

　Pollen–food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is caused by an allergic reaction in patients with high sensitivity to pollen that occurs after ingestion of certain fruits and vegetables. Recently, the prevalence of PFAS has increased in both children and adults. Our study aimed to compare the clinical manifestations of PFAS in pediatric versus adult patients. We retrospectively analyzed clinical manifestations in 206 patients (76 children and 130 adults) suffering from PFAS. Our results showed that the most frequently implicated pollen allergen in both pediatric and adult patients with PFAS was birch as 133 patients (58 children and adults 75 adults) were found to be allergic to birch in our study. The PFAS patients exhibit an allergic response to 934 different kinds of fruit and vegetables. Apples and tomatoes were the most frequently morbific fruit and vegetable, respectively in both pediatric and adult patients. PFAS had been previously reported in adults; however, it was rarely observed in children. Our data showed that approximately 40% of PFAS patients are children. These findings suggest that the prevalence of pollinosis is currently increasing in the younger age group than that reported previously. In addition, it is difficult for pollinosis and PFAS patients to acquire natural tolerance. PFAS retards the quality of life in younger patients than it does in adult patients. To prevent the current challenges of PFAS, further investigations are necessary.