Environmental factors in the first months of life and the possible relationship to later development of hypersensitivity.
The results of skin prick test (SPT) with common aeroallergens (in 870 severely asthmatic children, average age at testing 8.1 years) were analysed and compared with the results of a questionnaire about pets and smoking habits in the children's homes during the first 6 months of life. The study indicates a possible correlation between early massive exposure to certain allergens (cat, timothy) and later development of hypersensitivity. No conclusion can be drawn about a possible role of tobacco-smoking.
Rugtveit
J
J
Voksentoppen, University Hospital of Oslo, Norway.
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires