Oral corn pollen hypersensitivity in Arizona Native Americans: some sociologic aspects of allergy practice
Freeman, G.L.
Annals of Allergy 72(5): 415-417
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4738 PMID: 8179227 Document Number: 435652
Between 1978 and 1990, 33 Navajo patients were seen in a private allergy consultation practice in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA. Sufficient skin test and historical data were available from 9 atopic patients to evaluate hypersensitivity reactions to oral maize pollen used in Navajo ceremonies. 6 of the 9 patients had positive skin test reactions to maize pollen and 4 of these 6 reported symptoms from oral maize pollen. The symptoms included various combinations of oral and ear itching, sneezing, cough and wheezing. One maize pollen skin test-negative patient reported slight throat itching from the pollen. In no case did the patient or referring primary care physician associate the symptoms with ceremonial use of oral maize pollen.