Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Skin Prick Test and Tonsil Size in Children: Any Relation?

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We hypothesized, allergic reactions of the tonsillar mucosa may cause secondary lymphoid hypertrophy in children. To evaluate this, we compared tonsil sizes and skin prick test results. Children of ages 6–12 years were divided into two groups according to the results of the skin prick tests (SPT), as atopic and non-atopic groups. All tonsil sizes were evaluated by the same observer using the Brodsky L. Scala. No statistically meaningful difference was found between the tonsil sizes of the atopic and the non-atopic groups of children. No statistically meaningful correlation was found between tonsil sizes and allergen sensitivity degrees. Even though some highly allergic children were observed to have large tonsils, it was not statistically meaningful. Since no correlation is found between SPT and tonsil sizes, allergy may not be an etiologic factor of tonsillar hypertrophy in children.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bryborn M, Mansson A, Cardell LO, Adner M (2008) Differentiated S100A7 expression in infected tonsils and tonsils from allergic individuals. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 53:413–420

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Carr E, Obholzer R, Caulfield H (2007) A prospective study to determine the incidence of atopy in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea. Inter J Ped Otorhinolaryngol 71:19–22

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Ceran O, Aka S, Oztemel D, Uyanik B, Ozkozaci T (2004) The relationship of tonsillar hyperplasia and asthma in a group of asthmatic children. Inter J Ped Otorhinolaryngol 68:775–778

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Modrzynski M, Zawisza E (2007) An analysis of the incidence of adenoid hypertrophy in allergic children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 71(5):713–719

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Hofmann T, Lackner A, Berghold A, Lang-loidolt D (2003) Influence of sensitization to inhalative allergens on adenotonsillar disease. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 129:11–15

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Zimmerman B, Forsyth S (1988) Diagnosis of allergy in different age groups of children: use of mixed allergen RAST discs. Phadiatop Paediatr Mix Clin Allergy 18(6):581–587

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Ménardo JL, Bousquet J, Rodière M, Astruc J, Michel FB (1985) Skin test reactivity in infancy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 75(6):646–651

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Brandtzaeg P (2003) Immunology of tonsils an adenoids: everything the ENT surgeon needs to know. Inter J Ped Otorhinolaryngol 6751:69–76

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Vinke JG, Fokken WJ (1999) The role of the adenoid in allergic sensitization. Inter J Ped Otorhinolaryngol 49:145–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Yokoi H, Okayama Y, Fujimori M, Enomoto F, Saito H, Ichikawa G (2003) Distribution and role of mast cells in human tonsil. Int Congr Ser 1257:111–114

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Baskent Universitesi Istanbul Saglik Uygulama ve, Arastirma Merkezi Hastanesi, KBB Hastaliklari AD, Mahir Iz cad., No. 43, 34662, Altunizade, Istanbul, Turkey

    E. Eryaman & B. Y. Ozker

  2. Department of Pediatry, Baskent University School of Medicine, Bahcelievler, Ankara, Turkey

    A. Ozkul

Authors
  1. E. Eryaman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. Ozkul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. B. Y. Ozker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. Eryaman.

Additional information

This study was approved by the Baskent University Institutional Review Board (Project No: KA10/63) and supported by the Baskent University Research Fund.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Eryaman, E., Ozkul, A. & Ozker, B.Y. Skin Prick Test and Tonsil Size in Children: Any Relation?. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 65, 371–374 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-011-0296-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-011-0296-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation