[Clinical-epidemiological profile of oral allergy syndrome in the population aged 6 to 18 years].

BACKGROUND

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or pollen-fruit syndrome is a type of food allergy. Its characteristics and associated allergens vary according to the studied population. There are few studies in Mexico about this topic, none in children.

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of OAS among children in Mexico.

METHODS

A descriptive, observational, transversal and prospective study was conducted. We included every patient from 6 to 18 years old with diagnostic suspicion of OAS, in which complete clinical history, skin test to food and pollens, and oral food challenge were performed.

RESULTS

We found a prevalence of 5.3% (29 patients): 55% were males. Average age was 10 ± 3 years, and average number of food implicated were 6.8 ± 4.1. Apple, peach and banana, were the most frequent food associated, and sensitization to oak and European privet, the more prevalent pollens found in OAS.

CONCLUSION

OAS is a common type of food allergy, transient and mild in nature. In more than 90% of the cases is associated with allergic rhinitis and sensitization to pollens. In our population, profilins may be involved in its pathogenesis. However, more studies are required to prove this.