THE ALLERGY MARCH - FROM FOOD TO POLLEN

There is epidemiological evidence, especially from longitudinal studie s, that clinical manifestations of atopy as well as IgE antibodies aga inst food and aeroallergens show a systematic sequence of events. The atopic march begins with food allergy associated gastrointestinal diso rders and atopic dermatitis followed by respiratory allergies, i.e. as thma and atopic rhino-conjunctivitis. Delectable food antibodies, espe cially against egg and milk proteins, usually precede or accompany the early clinical symptoms and signs. Similarly, aeroallergen sensitizat ion, first against indoor allergen antibodies, succeeded by outdoor al lergen antibodies, precede the clinical manifestation of respiratory a llergy. Early atopic events, either manifestation or sensitization can be used as risk markers or even predictors of atopic disorders to imp lement preventive measures. Early atopic dermatitis as well as elevate d serum IgE antibodies against food allergens in the first two years o f life in combination with a family history can be used as a predictor for aeroallergen sensitization. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.