Egg and cows' milk allergy in children.

Abstract

The relationships between a history of egg or cows'' milk allergy, positive skin tests to these allergens, and atopic illness were examined in a sample of 126 children. Positive skin tests were found more often in children with a history of egg or cows'' milk allergy than in children with no history. Children [40] suspected of being allergic to egg or milk, by history or by positive skin tests, were tested by double-blind food challenge. Challenges [54] were given to these children, and 26 (49%) were positive. Children suspected of being allergic to egg had a greater incidence of positive challenges than children suspected of having mild allergy. Children with both a present history of food allergy and a postive skin test for that allergen were more likely to have positive challenges than children having only 1 of these indicators. Most children with positive challenges failed to satisfy Goldman''s criterion of a minimum of 3 positive challenges because of the severity of their reactions. Less stringent criteria are needed for the diagnosis of food allergy in children who are particularly sensitive to food allergens.