Evaluation of Allergic Reactions and Tolerance with Fruit and Vegetable Allergy in Children

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Despite the increasing prevalence of fruit and vegetable allergies in childhood over the past decades, the clinical course of reaction types and tolerance remain unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical course, demographic characteristics, and tolerance rate of allergic reactions induced by fruits or vegetables. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study on patients who presented with suspected allergic reactions to fruit or vegetables. We used patient records to identify demographic data, skin prick test, prick-to-prick test, and oral food challenge test results and laboratory findings. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study included 78 children with a median age of 61.5 months. Class 1 and 2 allergies were found in 65 and 13 cases, respectively. The most common allergens were potato (21.8%), banana (15.4%), peach (14.1%), and tomato (12.8%). Clinical symptoms included urticaria (75.6%), oral allergy syndrome (15.4%), angioedema (7.7%), and anaphylaxis (1.3%). Thirteen children achieved tolerance, while 61.7% did not. The median time to tolerance was 13.5 months after diagnosis, with a minimum of 9 months. Significant differences in reaction type, clinical presentation, pan-allergy to aeroallergens, and serum total IgE levels were found between the tolerant and non-tolerant groups (<i>p</i> = 0.006, 0.009, 0.005, and 0.001, respectively). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This is the first study to provide guidance on the tolerance rate and resolution time of fruit and vegetable allergies based on demographic and diagnostic parameters. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of fruit and vegetable allergy.