Analysis of Distribution Characteristics of Inhaled Allergen among Children with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Bronchial Asthma in Northern China

Abstract

Abstract Background The distribution characteristics of inhaled allergen sensitization is important for children with allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma, and can provide basis for diagnosis and treatment, allergen avoidance and disease management. Major inhaled allergens vary in different age and seasons. Methods Data from 9369 children with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis treated in Children’s Hospital Attached to the Capital Institute of Paediatrics from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. We divided the subjects into preschool age (≤ 5y), school age (5y-≤12y) and adolescence (> 12y) and according to season we divided 4 groups: spring, summer, autumn, winter. The ImmunoCAP system was used to detect serum allergens sIgE. Enumeration data were expressed as a percentage (%), and comparisons between groups were conducted using the χ². Results 1. The positive rates of inhaled allergens among subjects in sequence from high to low were: mx2 (molds), w6 (artemisiaargyi), wx5 (weeds pollen combination), w1 (ragweed), tx5 (trees pollen combination), d2 (dermatophagoides farina), d1 (dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), ex1 (animal dander combination), i6 (Blattella germanica). 2. The primacy inhaled allergen in preschool group and school age group was mx2 (38.41% and 42.81%), and in adolescent group w6 was the highest inhaled allergen (43.75%), followed by d2 (40.91%) and d1 (37.42%). Except for mx2, the positive rates of inhaled allergens increased with the increase of age. 3. In different seasons, the positive rates of ex1, wx5, mx2, tx5 and w6 were statistically different among groups (P < 0.05). The positive rate of wx5 in spring was the highest (48.23%), mx2 in summer and winter was the highest (57.06%, 28.81%), w6 in autumn was the highest (52.11%). Conclusions Mx2 is the most important allergen in Chinese children with asthma and/or rhinitis. The positive rates of inhaled allergens increase with age, and the sensitization spectrum changes. The major allergens are different in different seasons. Clinicians need to monitor allergens regularly during the course of disease follow-up, in order to timely adjust the treatment plan.