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Original article: Grass pollen symptoms interfere with the recollection of birch pollen symptoms – a prospective study of suspected, asymptomatic skin sensitization
Author(s) -
Assing K.,
Bodtger U.,
Poulsen L. K.,
Malling H. J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01280.x
Subject(s) - asymptomatic , pollen , recall , medicine , sensitization , dermatology , prospective cohort study , immunology , psychology , botany , biology , cognitive psychology
Background: Asymptomatic skin sensitization (AS) is a risk factor for the development of allergic symptoms. A meticulous definition of this condition requires a systematic assessment of clinical symptoms before inclusion. Objective: To examine the concordance between retrospective assessment of seasonal allergic symptoms and prospective seasonal symptom registration among subjects with AS. Methods: On the basis of a population survey, autumn 2002, including skin prick tests (positive if ≥3 mm) and a screening questionnaire, 87 subjects with AS to birch and/or grass pollen, birch and/or grass pollen allergic symptomatic subjects ( n = 63) and healthy controls ( n = 40) were included in January to March 2003, completed diary cards on symptom and medication use during the relevant seasons 2003, and were examined at follow up in autumn 2003. Allergy: positive SPT and symptoms ≥ seven diary days. Results: Eleven AS subjects (birch: n = 10) subsequently developed allergic symptoms, yet nine admitted, at follow up, to have had symptoms before inclusion, or even denied pollen‐related symptoms despite a significant diary. Compared with AS subjects sensitized to grass pollen, AS subjects sensitized to birch pollen had significantly larger skin prick reactions and more often and severe pollen symptoms. Conclusion: In the context of double‐sensitization, retrospective symptom assessment is not a reliable method for ensuring that subjects classified, as asymptomatically skin sensitized, are truly, asymptomatic. This matter should be considered in studies on allergy development.