Association between peanut allergy and asthma morbidity.

Abstract

To evaluate the relationship between peanut allergy and asthma morbidity in school-age children. The study involved a medical chart review to assess the association of peanut allergy with asthma morbidity in children beyond age 3 years. Peanut allergy was assessed by specific and validated criteria. A Poisson regression model was used to compare the frequency of systemic steroid use and of hospitalization for asthma beyond age 3 years in children with asthma with and without peanut allergy. Children with peanut allergy had a 2.32-times greater rate of hospitalization (P = .03) and a 1.59-times greater rate of systemic steroid use (P <.001) after controlling for covariates. Peanut allergy serves as an early marker for asthma morbidity. Early prevention and intervention can improve quality of care.