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Letters to the Editor

Indian Pediatrics 2005; 42:733-963-964

Avoidance of Food Allergens in Childhood Asthma


In the study by Agarkhedkar, et al. (6) authors have measured specific IgE against food allergens and eliminated the offending food stuffs from diet. They claim that there was reduction in severity of asthma symptoms as compared to same months in last two years. I wish authors explain some aspects as mentioned under.

1. Authors prepared allergens themselves. What was their chemical nature? Were they proteins or haptens? Allergens prepared in laboratory are different from food molecules after their absorption from gut, except in few instances. Hence, in vitro testing against food allergens is highly inaccurate.

2. Authors elucidated concept of total allergenic load. But it is true as far as clinical symptoms are concerned. Reduction in total allergenic load by eliminating at least some offending allergens may reduce asthma severity. Now it is well known that low grade inflammation is ongoing even in patients who are asymptomatic, and airway remodeling is continued causing progressive lung damage. What is the point in eliminating food articles for a limited period, especially those which are consumed throughout the year? All the patients in this study had perennial asthma.

V.G. Sarpotdar,
Sanjeevani Clinic, Shivaji Nagar,
Miraj 416 410.
E-mail: [email protected]

Editors note:

No reply received from Agarkhedkar, et al. despite several reminders.

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