Long-term changes in inhalant allergy in asthmatic children.

In a representative cohort of 55 asthmatic schoolchildren the progress of the allergy per se was followed up prospectively for 8 years. Judged by clinical data, skin prick tests and RAST, a large majority of the children retained their allergies to pollen and animal danders. These allergens were predominant, whereas allergy to mites and moulds was less frequent. Serum IgE levels showed a strong tendency to remain high. Positive RAST and skin prick tests were also found in a substantial number of children with normal serum IgE concentrations.