Cystic fibrosis, atopy, and airways lability.

In a survey of cystic fibrosis (CF) in the Avon area, 48 
children with CF from 40 families together with 71 of their 
parents were studied by spirometry, exercise tests, and pinch tests. A 
control group of 42 young adults was similarly tested; control data 
for children were taken from previously published work. The prevalence of 
atopy (any positive prick test) in children with CF was 48%. 
Sensitivity to grass pollens and house dust mite was no more 
common in these children (29%) than in a normal population (34%). 
Hypersensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus was found in 35% of children with 
CF and was associated with severe lung disease. The parents had 
a normal pattern and prevalence of atopy. Exercise- induced airways obstruction 
was present in only 22% of children with CF; its association 
with severe lung disease rendered interpretation difficult. The parents had a 
normal response to exercise. Both hypersensitivity to A. fumigatus and exercise-induced 
airways lability had the features of acquired characteristics. There was nothing 
in the present study to support the hypothesis that the possession 
of a CF gene predisposed to atopy. 