Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2004 Jun;24(2):241-246.

Change of Inhalant Allergen Sensitization in Children with Allergic Respiratory Diseases during Recent 10 Years

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
There have recently been many changes in environmental factors. We performed this study to elucidate the change of the inhalant allergen sensitization in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis during recent 10 years and the influence of environmental changes on the inhalant allergen sensitization. METHOD: Six hundred and seventy children with asthma and allergic rhinitis between 7 and 15 years of age from January 1993 through December 2002 were enrolled for this study. The changes of the sensitization ratio of each inhalant allergen during 10 years were estimated and the relation between sensitization and environmental changes such as pet ownership, tobacco smoking and furnishings were investigated. RESULT: The average positive rate to each allergen was as follows: D. pteronyssinus (84.8%), D. farinae (83.6%), cat fur (50.3%), tree pollen (31.3%), weed pollen (25.1%), and dog hair (21.9%). Among indoor allergens, sensitization ratio to D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae and cat fur decreased significantly. Among outdoor allergen, pollen sensitization, especially weed pollen increased significantly. Other inhalant allergens showed few changes. The pet ownership and the passive smoking were not associated with the allergen sensitization. CONCLUSION: Despite the increase of the exposure to indoor allergens in atopy children, there might be no increase in the sensitization to indoor allergens; however among outdoor allergens, the sensitization to weed pollen might increase markedly.

MeSH Terms

Allergens
Animals
Asthma
Cats
Child*
Dogs
Hair
Humans
Ownership
Pollen
Rhinitis
Smoking
Tobacco Smoke Pollution
Allergens
Tobacco Smoke Pollution