Infants whose parents have allergies that produce symptoms like wheezing, asthma, hay fever or hives risk developing allergic sensitization much earlier in life than previously reported, according to a study by Cincinnati researchers.

That's the conclusion of the results from the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS), sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).

Their results indicate that almost 30% of infants born to "atopic" parents, defined as those with allergies, were sensitized to one or more airborne or food allergens. The researchers suggest that skin testing for airborne allergens before age 4 or 5 should be reconsidered, particularly if parents have allergies. Early detection among infants and small children means they can be monitored or get symptom management earlier than otherwise.