Food allergy in early childhood increases the risk of pollen-food allergy syndrome

Abstract Background: The level of pollen in Korea has increased over recent decades. Research suggests that pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) may be more frequent in childhood than previously recognized. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of PFAS in children aged 6–10 years from a general population-based birth cohort. Methods: We analyzed 930 children from the COhort for Childhood Origin of Asthma and allergic diseases (COCOA) birth cohort. Allergic diseases were diagnosed annually by pediatric allergists. The skin prick tests were performed with 14 common inhalant allergens and four food allergens for children aged 3 and 7 years. Results: Of the 930 eligible children, 44 (4.7%) aged 6–10 years were diagnosed with. The mean age at onset was 6.74 years. PFAS prevalence was 7.2% among children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and 19.1% among those with pollinosis, depending on comorbidity. PFAS was more prevalent in schoolchildren with atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and sensitization to food allergens and grass pollen in early childhood. In schoolchildren with AR, only a history of food allergy before 3 years increased the risk of PFAS (aOR 2.971, 95% CI: 1.159–7.615). Conclusion: Food allergy and food sensitization in early childhood was associated with PFAS in schoolchildren with AR. Further study is required to elucidate the mechanism by which food allergy in early childhood affects the development of PFAS.