Prevalence and Pattern of Aeroallergen Sensitization in Asthmatic Children with Atopy: A Hospital-based Study

Background: Aeroallergen sensitization is a major determinant of asthma phenotype, severity, and persistence in children.Data from Eastern India are limited.Aims and objectives: To determine the prevalence and pattern of aeroallergen sensitization among children with asthma and to compare clinical and spirometry characteristics between children with atopy and without atopy.Materials and methods: This study was a secondary data analysis of a clinical trial conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Eastern India over a two-year period.Children aged 6-14 years with partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma were enrolled.Skin prick testing (SPT) was performed using a standardized panel of aeroallergens, including house dust mites, cockroaches, pollens, and Aspergillus mix.Spirometry was performed according to American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines.Correlation between age and number of sensitizations was assessed using Pearson's coefficient.Results: Of 152 children enrolled, 88 (57.9%) were atopic.Cockroach (59%) and house dust mites [Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (56.8%),Dermatophagoides farinae (52.3%)] were the most prevalent aeroallergens.Multiple sensitizations were present in 46.6% of atopic children.A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was observed between age and number of aeroallergen sensitizations (r = 0.24, p = 0.023).Spirometry parameters did not differ significantly between groups.Conclusions: Aeroallergen sensitization is highly prevalent among children with partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma in Eastern India, predominantly affecting indoor allergens.Increasing age is associated with a greater burden of sensitization.Identification of regional allergen patterns is essential for personalized asthma management and environmental control strategies.