Sensitization to pollen in the asthmatic child. A study of 86 cases

This retrospective study was designed to determine the place of pollen sensibilization in asthmatic child and to assess its epidemiological and clinical characteristics. 86 from 638 asthmatic child were allergic to pollen and included in the study. The mean age was 4 years (extremes : 1-12 years). The mean age of first respiratory manifestations was 1 and half years. The male/female ratio was 1.46. Asthmatic attacks was noted in 77% of cases, chronic cough was the only allergic manifestation in 16% of cases. Associated rhinitis or conjunctivitis were found in 55% of cases, atopic dermatitis was found in 4 patients (4.6% of cases). Atopic asthma was per annual in 78% of cases. Pollinic asthma was diagnosed in 51 child. Other sensibilization were found in 60% of cases. 26 child (32%) were allergic to pollen only and 18 child to sample pollen. The gramineae pollen sensibilization is the most common allergy, followed by olive tree and cypress tree and herbaceous pollens.