[An outbreak of allergy to horses in children. A review of 56 recent cases].

This research article is an analysis of 56 cases of children and adolescents who developed allergic reactions to horses over a span of 11 years, highlighting the allergy occurrence at the first contact with horses and the clinical symptoms observed.

Cases and Demographics

• The study spans over 11 years and takes into account a total of 56 cases of horse allergies in children and adolescents. The gender distribution of the affected individuals comprised 35 boys and 21 girls. Majority of the affected individuals were under the age of 10 years, accounting for 35 children.

Clinical Symptoms

• The most frequent clinical signs of allergy observed were ocular symptoms, conspicuous in 36 cases. Asthma was seen in 30 cases, followed by rhinopharyngitis, seen in 24 cases. Thus, it can be inferred that allergies to horses can lead to range of symptoms from eye-related issues to respiratory difficulties.

Allergy Indicators

• All the children exhibited positive results in cutaneous prick tests and specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) exams. The IgE levels were predominantly observed in class 3 and 4, accounting for almost 62% of the cases. The children were also found to be polysensitized, meaning they were sensitive to multiple allergens.

Onset of Allergic Reaction

• In several instances, the first symptoms of the allergy were observed at the time of the children’s first known contact with a horse or pony. It suggests that even a first-time exposure to horses can trigger an allergic reaction in certain individuals.

Treatment Solution

• Most often, the only solution to alleviate the allergic reactions was to completely avoid any further contact with horses or ponies. This preventive measure served as the most effective form of treatment in these cases.

Consideration for Therapeutic Riding

• In the case of disabled children engaging in therapeutic riding sessions, an occurrence of allergy-related clinical symptoms should prompt the consideration of potential horse allergy. This underlines the importance of monitoring children for signs of allergy when introducing them to such therapeutic activities involving animals.