Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. (2026).4(156): 55-61. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.4(156).5561
Kryuchko T. O., Tkachenko O. Ya., Nesina I. M., Bubyr L. M., Radchenko R. V., Patrash O. O.
Poltava State Medical University, Ukraine

For citation: Kryuchko TO, Tkachenko OYa, Nesina IM, Bubyr LM, Radchenko RV, Patrash OO. (2026). Allergic rhinitis and pollen-food allergy syndrome in children: assessment of clinical course and sensitization. Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. 4(156): 55-61. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.4(156).5561.
Article received: Feb 20, 2026. Accepted for publication: May 12, 2026.

Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is a complex of clinical manifestations caused by an IgE-mediated allergic reaction in patients with pollen sensitization, which occur in response to the consumption of various fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and spices.
Aim – to determine the characteristics of PFAS in children with allergic rhinitis by analyzing the clinical course of the disease and to assess the spectrum of sensitization.
Materials and methods. A total of 112 patients aged 6 to 18 years diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis were included in the study; of these, 36 children with concomitant food-induced allergic reactions were selected. In the second stage of the study, the clinical course of the disease was analyzed and an allergy workup was conducted, which allowed us to determine the overall spectrum of sensitization and, using multicomponent allergy testing, to study its molecular profile.
Results. In nearly 95% of cases, manifestations of PFAS are characterized by oropharyngeal symptoms, namely itching of the tongue, itching in the oropharynx, and a tingling sensation in the oral cavity. Most patients are sensitized to homologous proteins that mediate a wide range of cross-reactivity to plant-derived foods. Most commonly, this involves sensitization to the major birch allergen protein (Bet v 1), which is associated with a cross-reaction to one or more food products, leading to clinical symptoms in more than 60% of cases.
Conclusions. Children with seasonal allergic rhinitis have a high likelihood of developing PFAS; children with sensitization to trees particularly birch pollen deserve special attention. To verify the diagnosis and ensure a personalized approach to treatment, it is recommended to use the method of multicomponent allergy testing as an important tool for identifying patients at high risk of developing anaphylaxis and other life-threatening conditions.
The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent for participation was obtained from the children’s parents.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: allergic rhinitis, pollen-food allergy syndrome, multicomponent allergy testing, children.

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