Objective: To evaluate respiratory functions in children with cat sensitization using impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry and to compare these with those of healthy controls. Methods: This prospective case-control study included 130 children aged 3-17 years with cat sensitization (CS group) accompanying respiratory allergic diseases (Group I: asthma, Group II: allergic rhinitis, and Group III: co-existent asthma and allergic rhinitis), and 70 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC group). The cases’ demographic parameters were recorded, and respiratory functions were analyzed using IOS and spirometry. The association between IOS and spirometric parameters was also evaluated. Results: At IOS evaluation, zR5, R5-20, Fres, and AX values were higher in children in the CS group compared to the HC group (p=0.029, p=0.008, p=0.001, and p<0.001, respectively), while zX5 and zX20 values were lower (p=0.001 and p<0.001). R5-20 and AX were higher in asthma compared to allergic rhinitis (p=0.008, 0=0.015), but were insignificant compared to both together. R5-20, Fres, and AX were higher, and zX20 was lower in the pre-school age group (p<0.001). No correlation was found between zFEV1, zFVC, zFEV1/FVC, zFEF25-75 and zR5 values in the CS group (p>0.05). Conclusions: Pulmonary resistance was higher and reactance was lower in the entire and peripheral airways in children with cat sensitization accompanying respiratory allergic diseases compared to the healthy controls. Peripheral airway resistance and reactance were more impared in asthma group compared to allergic rhinitis. However, peripheral airway resistance and main airway reactance were more impaired in the pre-school age group than in the older age group.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and food allergy (FA) are common conditions, especially during the first 12 months of life. When GOR leads to troublesome symptoms, that affect daily functioning of the infant and family, it is referred to GOR disease (GORD). The role of food allergens as a cause of GORD remains controversial. This European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) position paper aims to review the evidence for FA-associated GORD in young children and translate this into clinical practice that guides healthcare professionals through the diagnosis of suspected FA-associated GORD and the medical and dietary management. The Task Force (TF) on non-IgE mediated allergy consists of EAACI experts in paediatric gastroenterology, allergy, dietetics and psychology from Europe, United Kingdom, United States, Turkey and Brazil. Six clinical questions were formulated, amended and approved by the TF to guide this publication. A systematic literature search using PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE databases (until June 2021) using a predefined inclusion criteria based on the 6 questions was used. The TF also gained access to the database from the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology working group, who published guidelines on GORD and ensured that all publications used within that position paper were included. For each of the 6 questions, practice points were formulated, followed by a modified Delphi method consisting of anonymous web-based voting that was repated with modified practice points where required, until at least 80% consensus for each practice point was achieved. This TF position paper shares the process, the discussion and consensus on all practice points on FA-associated GORD.