Allergen sensitization in children with asthma and rhinitis: marked variations related to age and microgeographical factors

Abstract

We have described the main allergens in children with asthma and rhinitis in a Mediterranean region in Spain, and have found marked differences depending on age and proximity to the coast. The local importance of Salsola, the early sensitization to Alternaria, and the surprisingly short reach of the influence of the coast in favouring sensitization to mites and protecting from sensitization to pollens and Alternaria are noteworthy.

Molecular sensitization patterns and influence of molecular diagnosis in immunotherapy prescription in children sensitized to both grass and olive pollen

“…This prevalence increases considerably when patients who attend allergy clinics are studied, and figures of over 70%, similar to those found in our study, have been reported in certain series . Moral et al also reported a significant rate of polysensitization (74% of all atopic patients), even in the pediatric population.…”

Changes in Allergen Sensitization Over The Last 30 Years in Korea Respiratory Allergic Patients: A Single-Center

“…These data do not include important factors which are crucial for sensitization to allergens, such as the region of inhabitance, cohabitation with pets and economic level 13,14. Furthermore, the study does not include some important allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and food allergy.…”

“…The skin prick test (SPT) for allergens has been widely used to determine sensitization to allergens. Sensitization to allergens is affected by many complicated factors, such as genetics, age, exposure time, exposure amount to allergens, and environmental factors 12,13,14. Exposure opportunities to various allergens have been changing according to changes in environmental factors.…”

Allergic respiratory disease: Different allergens, different symptoms

“…In Spain, main allergens causing allergy in eastern coastal area and Canary Islands are HDM, whereas in southern areas the most relevant allergen is olive pollen, and in northern and central areas the most common one is grass pollen. In a pediatric study, sensitization to HDM was 83% in coastline, whereas at 5‐30 km inland half reduced such proportion; Alternaria allergen showed a reverse pattern …”

“…In a pediatric study, sensitization to HDM was 83% in coastline, whereas at 5-30 km inland half reduced such proportion; Alternaria allergen showed a reverse pattern. 18 In spite of the association of allergen sensitization to allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, available studies on the association of specific kinds of allergens with clinical symptoms, severity, or therapy for respiratory allergic diseases are very limited. However, in a crosssectional study in Chinese allergic patients, sensitization to Artemisia vulgaris and Ambrosia artemisiifolia was found to be associated with the severity of intermittent rhinitis, whereas sensitization to HDM (D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae) was associated with severity of asthma.…”