Increased sensitization rates to tree pollens in allergic children and adolescents and a change in the pollen season in the metropolitan area of Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Introduction Children with allergies are at greater risk of becoming sensitized to allergenic pollens in response to environmental changes. This study investigated the relationship between changes in pollination associated with meteorologic changes and the sensitization rates of children to tree pollen allergens in the metropolitan area of Seoul, Korea. Methods The study population consisted of 8,295 children who visited the pediatric allergy clinics at Hanyang University Seoul and Guri Hospital for allergy symptoms between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2019. Pollen was collected at the two hospitals during the study using a Burkard 7‐day sampler. Meteorologic data were obtained from the National Weather Service. Results Among the major tree pollens, the largest increase in allergic sensitization was to oak, hazel, and alder pollens (0.28% annually). The pollen‐sensitization rates increased annually within younger age groups. The duration of the pollen season was 98 days in 1998 and 140 days in 2019. Positive correlations were determined between the duration of the pollen season and the rates of sensitization to tree pollens, as well as between the pollen‐sensitization rates and increasing temperature. Conclusions This study demonstrated the correlation between weather changes and the resulting changes in the pollen season with sensitization rates to allergenic pollens in children living in the Seoul metropolitan area. An annual increase in sensitization rates in younger children was determined. This pattern is expected to continue due to continuing climate change.

Pollen Allergy in a Changing Planetary Environment

“… 35 36 37 Longer pollen seasons increase the duration of exposure, potentially resulting in more sensitization. 5 6 Longer pollen seasons also result in longer symptom periods in patients with allergic disease, and higher pollen concentrations may cause more severe symptoms. An earlier start of the pollen season was confirmed in studies focused on allergenic plants.…”

“… 1 2 3 4 As the sensitization rate to pollens has recently increased in children, rapidly proliferating allergenic plants have emerged as a dangerous element to allergic children. 5 6 …”

Sensitization profile to sawtooth oak component allergens and their clinical implications

“…The overall prevalence of allergic sensitization was 45.3%, and sensitization to oak was 6.6%, from 28,954 Korean adult patients in a retrospective study 1 . Furthermore, skin reactivity to tree pollens especially to oak (4.7% to 14.4%) was significantly increased over last decade (about 0.28% annually) 2,3 . However, high cross‐reactivity among tree pollens from the Fagales order (including oak, birch, alder, and hazel) often makes it difficult to identify the culprit allergen.…”

“… 1 Furthermore, skin reactivity to tree pollens especially to oak (4.7% to 14.4%) was significantly increased over last decade (about 0.28% annually). 2 , 3 However, high cross‐reactivity among tree pollens from the Fagales order (including oak, birch, alder, and hazel) often makes it difficult to identify the culprit allergen. A component‐resolved diagnosis using purified allergen molecules can help discriminate genuine sensitization from false‐positive reactions by cross‐reaction.…”

Comments on pollen season changes, vegetable consumption and asthma, and exercise‐induced reactions after oral immunotherapy to foods

“…The first study looked at in this editorial is by Kyung Suk Lee et al, 7 a Korean group of investigators who looked at changes in pollination rates in association with weather changes, and the sensitization rate to tree pollens in children living in Seoul. They analyzed data from 8,295 children with symptoms of allergy between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2019.…”