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In 1985-90, 1612 subjects were submitted to allergic tests for respiratory diseases. In a retrospective survey we have evaluated clinical features, symptoms, diagnostic procedure and allergic tests of skin positives and skin negatives. Prick tests were supplemented by intradermal reaction and RAST under guideline of history. Allergens examined were Gramineae, Parietaria, Olea, house dust, Dermatophagoides farinae and pteronyssinus. 80% of patients were found positive to one or more allergens; their average age (30.1 +/- 13.7) was found lower (p < 0.001) and allergic family history prevalence higher (p < 0.01) than skin negatives. Skin positives prevalence was statistically significant under 50 yrs and skin negatives one over 50 yrs. Asthma or rhinitis only were prevalent among skin negatives while associated symptoms (asthma + rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis) were prevalent among skin positives. Considering skin results pollens were found positive in 34%, inhalants in 24% and pollens + inhalants in 42% of subjects. Gramineae were found positive in 57.8% of subjects, Parietaria in 39.8%, olea in 28.8%, Dermatophagoides farinae in 53.3%, house dust in 52.1% and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in 48.2%. Prick test showed a high sensitiveness in detecting pollens sensitization while intradermal reactions were often necessary in sensitization to inhalants; for the diagnosis RAST contribution was negligible.

We studied the relationship between parental smoking habits and atopy and bronchial responsiveness (BR) in 9-year-old, non-selected schoolchildren. A questionnaire on respiratory disease and maternal and paternal smoking habits was administered to one parent. Skin prick tests using the most common allergens present in central Italy, a flow-volume spirometric test, and a bronchial provocation test using carbachol in increasing doses were performed. Male children with smoking parents had significantly increased BR when compared to those whose parents did not smoke (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.3, p = 0.009). No such significant increase in BR was found in female children of smoking parents (OR = 1.5, p = 0.4). The relationship between BR in children and smoking in parents was stronger in asthmatics (p = 0.02), but was still significant after controlling for asthma and atopy. Bronchial responsiveness was significantly correlated with atopy (p = 0.001). This was also true for nonasthmatic children and for both males and females separately. Male children of smoking parents had increased reactivity to allergens as assessed by the skin prick test index (p = 0.001). It is hypothesized that passive smoking, by increasing the frequency of BR and of atopy, may increase the risk of asthma in childhood and particularly in boys.