Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome: A not so Rare Disease in Childhood

Medicina (Kaunas). 2019 Sep 26;55(10):641. doi: 10.3390/medicina55100641.

Abstract

Seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR) affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in childhood and adolescence. Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is a common adverse reaction occurring few minutes after the consumption of vegetable foods in patients with pollen-induced SAR. PFAS has rarely been investigated in the pediatric population, as it has been mainly examined as an adult disease. Recent studies suggested that PFAS might be more frequent in childhood than previously recognized. The present review aims to give an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management and prognosis of PFAS in children with SAR-induced by pollens.

Keywords: children; component resolved diagnostics; food allergy; oral allergy syndrome; pollen; pollen-food allergy syndrome; seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology
  • Child
  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic / immunology*
  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic / physiopathology
  • Cross Reactions
  • Desensitization, Immunologic
  • Food Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Pollen / immunology*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / immunology*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / physiopathology
  • Seasons
  • Skin Tests
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Allergens