The exploration of IgE dependant reactions in children : Recommandations

The aim of this talk is to discuss evidence-based medicine recommandations for allergic testing in children. In this way, we may insure the quality and efficiency of the diagnosis and the treatment conducting to a better quality of life for the allergic patient. The prevalence of the allergic diseases in children (atopic eczema, asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis), and consequently, the allergic testing are increasing considerably in industrialized countries in the last 20 to 30 years. The epidemiologic studies are estimating the cumulative prevalence of the allergic diseases in children around 25-30 %. The prevalence for each pathology is avaluated as follows : Atopic eczema (15-20 %), Asthma (7-10%), Rhinitis and conjunctivitis (15-20%). In Young infant, atopic eczema, digestive signs and wheezing are predominant. In order children , asthma, rhinitis and rhino-conjunctivitis are more common. The adverse reactions related to food (cow milk, egg) are common in young children. The sensibilization to respiratory allergens appears later on.