ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In developing countries, there is a lack of epidemiological information related to food hypersensitivity, including nuts and seafood. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine the prevalence of allergic reactions and clinical manifestations associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds or seafood in university students. METHODS: We designed an observational cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was applied to Mexican university students to identify allergic reactions associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood. RESULTS: A sample of 1,200 students was included; mean age of 19.7 ± 1.7 years. Prevalence of symptoms associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood were 2.8% (33 of 1,200) and 3.5% (42 of 1,200) respectively. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (63.6% in nuts and seeds), flushing (50% in seafood), and pharyngeal oppression (19% in seafood). Prevalence of perceived, probable and systemic allergy to nuts and seeds was 2.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5%-3.0%), 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3%-1.3%) and 0.2% (95% CI, 0%-0.4%) respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence (perceived, probable, and systemic) associated with seafood consumption was 3.5% (95% CI, 2.5%-4.5%), 1.8% (95% CI, 1.0%-2.5%), and 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.9%). Walnut and shrimp were the most frequently reported foods. CONCLUSION: For every 100 Mexican university students, approximately 3 or 4 perceived to have allergy attributed to the consumption of some nuts and seeds or seafood, while 1 or 2 students would have a probable reaction to this same type of food. Walnut and shrimp would be causing the higher quantity of food allergic reactions.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Drug hypersensitivity is defined as any unfavorable reaction that occurs after the administration of any drug. It may or may not be mediated by the involvement of the immune system. Epidemiological data related to drug hypersensitivity reactions in our country are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of drug hypersensitivity in a group of young adults, as well as to identify associated factors. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was applied to young people aged 18 to 25 years. The instrument was oriented to identify reactions of drug hypersensitivity, as well as the most prevalent drugs involved. In addition, a personal and family history of atopic diseases was included. Analysis for associations between variables was been done through logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of drug hypersensitivity reactions was 12% (144 of 1,200). The antibiotics were the agents most related to hypersensitivity reactions (9.8%) followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (1.6%). Factors associated with drug hypersensitivity were a personal history of asthma, odds ratio (OR) 3.15 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-6.91), maternal and paternal history of drug hypersensitivity, OR 2.33 (95% CI, 1.21-4.48) and OR 3.11 (95% CI, 1.22-7.92), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this research show that drug hypersensitivity in young adults is a highly prevalent event and it is associated with personal history of asthma and history of drug hypersensitivity in parents.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Food hypersensitivity (FH) is defined as any unfavorable reaction after the ingestion, contact, or inhalation of a food. Few FH prevalence studies have been performed in the Mexican adult population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of self-reported FH and probable food allergy (FA) among a sample of Mexican young adults and to determine the most commonly involved foods, associated symptoms, and risk factors. METHODS: We designed an observational, cross-sectional study in which 1,253 young adults (aged 18-25 years) born in the State of Mexico answered a questionnaire concerning FH. We obtained information on personal and familial histories of allergic diseases, the involved foods, and the subsequent adverse reactions to their consumption. RESULTS: The prevalence of FH was 30.1% and was significantly higher in women than in men (P < .001). The prevalence of probable FA was 5.9% and was also higher in women (P = .02). Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in 83.1% of FH cases, whereas cutaneous symptoms and oral allergy syndrome were reported in FA cases. The food groups most associated with FH were dairy products (13.2%), vegetables (10.0%), and fruits (8.0%). The food groups most associated with FA were fruits (3.0%) and seafood (1.8%). Female sex, personal history of allergic diseases, maternal history of atopic dermatitis, and parental history of urticaria were significantly associated (P < .05) with the presence of FH. CONCLUSION: FH in young adults might be more common than previously thought, especially in women. However, further studies are needed to confirm this situation in the Mexican population.
