Changes of aeroallergen sensitization in children with asthma or allergic rhinitis from a tertiary referral hospital in Seoul over 10 years

Results: The sensitization rates to Tree pollen mixture I and II were increased as 5.0%, 6.8% in 2000, 8.5%, 9.8% in 2005, and 14.8%, 17.3% in 2010, respectively (trend P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). And the sensitization rates to D. pteronyssinus cat dander and dog dander were changed as 55%, 4.8%, 4.8% in 2000, 62.2%, 11.9%, 28% in 2005, and 63.1%, 12.7%, 16.7% in 2010, respectively. The distribution of sensitized pollens was oak (12.8%), beech (12.4%), pine (10.3%), birch (10%), hazel (9.6%), alder (8%), elder (6.9%), elm (5.4%) in the study of 2010. When allergen/histamine ratio was compared, rates of strong sensitization over 4+ to tree pollen were increased. Conclusion: The sensitization rates to inhalant allergens were increased in children with asthma or allergic rhinitis from a tertiary re- ferral hospital in Seoul over last 10 years. Especially, an increase in the degree of skin reactivity was observed in cat dander, dog dan- der, and tree pollens. The studies to investigate the etiology of this increase and prevention will be needed. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2014;2:97-102)