Significance of indoor environment for the development of allergic symptoms in children followed up to 18 months of age.

A group of 638 children was studied at 3 and 18 months to assess the development of symptoms possibly related to allergy or other types of hypersensitivity. Logistic regression techniques were used in the analysis. Where there was a high incidence of investigated symptoms, a family history of atopy was linked. Day nursery attendance was associated with increased risk of colds and treatment with antibiotics. Coughing was worse in homes with smoking mothers. Risk of symptoms increased with the presence of a sibling. Building factors were not significant. However, report of sick building symptoms were often linked with children who suffered from eczema, dry skin or reactions to food. Complaints about mucous membrane symptoms were significantly linked to the type of building and presence of condensation.