ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to investigate perinatal and early-chihdood risk factors which facilitate development of allergic diseases. Methods: This study was held between the years 2009-2010 among allergic children (n=188) aged 1-16 years, followed in the Allergy Immunology outpatient clinic. The control group was composed of healthy chidren of healthcare personnel and healthy children followed in the outpatient clinic (n=72). A survey which examined the risk factors associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and urticaria-angioedema was used.

The number of male children in the case and control group was 106 (56.4%) and 37 (48.6%), respectively. The mean age of case and control group was 7.73±3.31 and 7.06±2.86 years, respectively. The mean age of patients diagnosed atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis was 1.77±1.30; 3.62±2.80 and 4.51±2.63 years, respectively. When comparing the case and control group according to risk factors; maternal allergy history (p<0.01), maternal tobacco smoking (p=0.002), prenatal and postnatal tobacco exposure (p=0.000), breastfeeding less than 4 months (p=0.01) and feeding with formula before 4th month of life (p=0.038) was significantly higher among allerigic group.

Maternal allergy history and tobacco smoking, prenatal and postnatal tobacco exposure, breastfeeding less than 4 months and feeding with formula before 4th month of life were associated risk factors for developing allergic diseases.

Keywords: Allergy, perinatal period, infant, risk factors