Evaluation of allergic sensitization and gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with recurrent croup.
BACKGROUND
Croup, which is seen commonly in childhood, is a disorder that can be recurrent and progress to bronchial asthma. In the present study the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and atopy and the response to therapy were investigated in children with recurrent croup.


METHODS
Between October 2003 and June 2004, 57 patients with acute stridor were admitted to the emergency room. The patients who had at least three croup episodes and patients with first croup episode were compared.


RESULTS
Thirty-two children had recurrent croup history, GER was found in of 62.5%, and atopy in 17.2%. Atopy was not found in any children with first croup episode. The difference was significant. In addition it was found that atopic dermatitis, previous history of wheezing and established atopy increased the risk of croup recurrence. Alone or combined inhaled corticosteroids and GER therapy were administered, and 77.7% of the patients responded very well.


CONCLUSIONS
GER and atopy should be investigated in patients with recurrent spasmodic croup. Recurrent croup is a non-specific manifestation of atopy. Patients with atopy should be followed closely for developing bronchial asthma.
Pediatric Allergy Department, Dr Sami Ulus Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Zafer
Z
Arslan
Funda Erol
FE
Cipe
Serap
S
Ozmen
Meda
M
Kondolot
I Etem
IE
Piskin
Aysel
A
Yöney
D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003440:Croup / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome