Evaluation of Sensitization to Aeroallergens in Pediatric Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma in North Cyprus

Objective To evaluate the common allergies in respiratory allergic diseases of children in Guangzhou urban districts and to provide the evidence for preventing allergic diseases.Methods All eases were collected from Pediatric Out-patient Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College from February 1st,2006 to March 30th,2007.183 children were above 5 years old,whose diagnoses were asthma and(or) allergic rhinitis,and lived in Guangzhou urban districts.In 183 cases,132 were males females.Among 183 patients,58 cases were asthma,20 cases were rhinitis and 105 cases were asthma andrhinitis.All the patients underwent skin prick tests(SPT) with 13 common aeroallergens,total IgE(TIgE),specific IgE(sIgE) and eosinophil count in serum.Results Among 183 patients,157(85.8%) had at least one positive skin reaction.The rates of positive skin reaction with 13 common aeroallergens were from 5.5 % to 75.4%.The positive rate of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(Der p) was the highest(79.8%),then followed up by Dermatophagoides farinae(Der f)(72.7%),Blomia tropicalis(65.0%),dog hair(48.6%),American cockroach(47.0%),cat hair(34.4%),Blatella germanica (29.5%),mixed moulds(19.7%),mixed grass pollens(15.9%),Artemisia vulgaris(7.7%),Ambrosia artemisifolia(5.5%).The patients (146/183 cases) who were positive reactivity in mites were concomitant reactivity to multiple allergens (115/146 cases,78.8%).Only 11 cases with negative reactivity in acaridan were combined with multiple allergens(11/37 cases,29.7%).There was statistical significance between in positive/negative skin reaction with aearidan(X2=33.099,P 7 group) was more statisticallysignificant than the group of lower 7 years old(≤7 group)in the allergic positive rates (P 7 group and≤7 group(all P>0.05).Mites(Der P,Der f and Blomia tropicalis) were the most common aeroallergens in patients withasthma,or rhinitis,and both asthma and rhinitis.Apart from that of cockroach(P 0.05).Conclusions The allergy is the important factor in respiratory allergy disease.Those patients with asthma and(or) allergic rhinitis usually have the positive SPT.House dust mites were the most prevalent allergens in children with asthma and(or) rhinitis in Guangzhou urban districts.With age growing,the children with respiratory allergic disease are more sensitiveto aeroallergens.There are the same allergens among asthma and(or) rhinitis.To estimate allergen patterns of sensitizations in patients from different geographic areas,age groups as well as asthma and(or) rhinitis contribute to earlier diagnosis and earlier prevention. Key words: Aeroallergens; Skin prick test; Respiratory allergic disease; Children

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that most often occurs in children and it is a growing global health problem. Aim: Aim of the study was to examine the sensitization on inhalant allergens in children with allergic rhinitis and its association with asthma. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study using data from our hospital records (2018-2022). A total of 412 children with symptoms of allergic rhinitis participated in the study, aged from 4 to 17 years old. The presence of allergic rhinitis was evaluated by specialist of allergology, immunology and otorhinolaryngology. The diagnosis was made on personal and family history, physical examination of the patient, skin prick tests and laboratory parameters. Results: Out of 412 children enrolled in the study, 205 (55.1%) were male. All were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, while 168 (40.78%) were, in addition to allergic rhinitis, diagnosed with bronchial asthma 66.26% (N=273). Hypersensitivity to the inhalant allergens according to positive skin prick test was found as follows: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (67.96%; N=280 subjects), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (62.87%; N=259 subjects), Betula (54.13%; N=223 subjects) Corylus (52.91%; N=218) and grass pollen (52.91%; N=218 subjects).Hypersensitivity to the inhalant allergens according to higher levels of specific IgE was found as follows: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (66.26%; N=273), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (66.02%; N=272), Betula (57.52%; N=237), Corylus (55.34%; N=228), Poa pratensis (45.39%; N=187), Artemisia vulgaris (27.67%; N=114), Phelum pratense (25.46%; N=105), cat dander (28.64%; N=118) and dog dander (23.54%; N=87). Conclusion: Our data suggest that sensitization on house dust mite has important role in development of allergic rhinitis. Most children have allergic rhinitis linked to asthma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESThe role of honey in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) is controversial. We studied the complementary effect of ingestion of a high dose of honey, in addition to standard medications, on AR.DESIGN AND SETTINGSProspective randomized placebo-controlled study. Subjects were recruited from an otolaryngology clinic in 2 tertiary referral centers in the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The study period ranged from April 2010-April 2011.METHODSForty AR patients were divided equally into a case group and a control group. All the subjects received a daily dose of 10 mg of loratadine for 4 weeks. The case group ingested 1 g/kg body weight of honey daily in separate doses for the 4-week period. The control group ingested the same dose of honey-flavored corn syrup as placebo. AR symptoms were scored at the start, week 4, and week 8 of the study.RESULTSThere were no significant differences between the mean total symptom score of the case and the control groups at the start of the study. At week 4, both groups showed progressive improvement in the symptoms; at week 8, only the case group showed a continuous improvement in the symptom score. Only the group that ingested honey showed a significant improvement in individual AR symptoms. The improvement persisted for a month after the cessation of the treatment.CONCLUSIONHoney ingestion at a high dose improves the overall and individual symptoms of AR, and it could serve as a complementary therapy for AR.

Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is the most important seasonal allergen in the Black Sea Region.

Objective To evaluate the distribution characteristics of the positive ratio of serum allergen speci-fic IgE(sIgE) in asthmatic and allergic rhinitis children with multiple sensitization factors, which may be beneficial for recommendations on the avoidance of allergen and assessment of atopic disease. Methods A total of 128 children with asthma and allergic rhinitis were enrolled(93 male, 35 female, aged from 1.5 to 16.1 years old, and the average age was 7 years and 8 months). All of the patients were presented as positive allergic screening test results for 2 or more kinds of allergen when evaluated.Eighty-seven patients were diagnosed as asthma combined with allergic rhinitis, while 38 cases with allergic rhinitis and 3 cases with asthma.The serum sIgE levels to 29 kinds of inhalant allergens and food allergens for each patients were detected by the UniCAP250 quantified IgE measurement system. Results The positive ra-tios of each inhalant allergen for all the patients were as follows: 67% for House dust, 61% for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 59% for Dermatophagoides farinae, 50% for Alternaria alternata, 42% for Blomia tropicalis, 29% for Cat dander, 23% for Dog dander, 11% for Cockroach, 32% for Artemisia vulgaris, 29% for Humulus scandens, 28% for White ash, 26% for Ambrosia elatior, 24% for Willow, 24% for Mountain juniper, 24% for London plane, 24% for Humulus scandens, 22% for Chenopodium album and 20% for Common silver birch; the positive ratios of each food allergen were as follows: 25% for Milk, 25% for Egg white, 7% for Shrimp, 6% for Crab, 6% for Egg yolk, 4% for Chicken, 2% for Fish, 31% for Wheat, 20% for Peanut, 17% for Soybean, 27% for Peach and 21% for Tomato.Sixty-five patients with positive results to food allergens were divided into food allergen sensitization group while the other 53 patients for food allergen non-sensitization group.The positive ratios of different inhalant allergens such as Dog dander, Alternaria alternate, Common silver birch, Mountain juniper, London plane, Willow, White ash, Ambrosia elatior, Artemisia vulgaris, Chenopodium album, Humulus scandens of children in the food allergen sensitization group were 35.4%, 60.0%, 39.7%, 41.5%, 43.1%, 43.1%, 46.2%, 43.1%, 55.4%, 40.0%, 44.6%, which were higher than those in the food allergen non-sensitization group(11.1%, 39.7%, 1.6%, 6.3%, 4.8%, 4.8%, 9.5%, 7.9%, 7.9%, 3.2%, 3.2%, respectively, all P<0.05). The positive ratios of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and House dust in the food allergen non-sensitization group were 69.8%, 69.8%, 76.2%, respectively, which were higher than those in the food allergen sensitization group (52.3%, 49.2%, 58.5%, respectively, all P<0.05). Eighty-two point eight percent of the children with asthma combined with allergic rhinitis and 73.7% of the children with allergic rhinitis were sensitive to 3 or more kinds of inhalant allergens. Conclusions Inhalant allergens such as house dust, mites and molds were the main sensitization allergen for asthmatic and allergic rhinitis children with multiple sensitization factors.The asthmatic and allergic rhinitis children with food allergens sensitization often presented sensitive to animal dander, molds and outdoor inhalant allergens, while those without food allergens sensitization were more commonly sensitive to indoor allergens. Key words: Asthma; Allergic rhinitis; Specific immunoglobulin E; Allergen

Aims: We aimed to determine the distribution of inhaled allergens by evaluating the results of skin prick tests performed on patients with allergic complaints in Konya. Methods: The study included 2351 patients aged 2-18 years who underwent skin prick tests for the diagnosis of inhaled allergens at the Selçuk University Medical Faculty Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Outpatient Clinic between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023. Demographic characteristics and skin prick test results of 696 patients with sensitivity to at least one inhaled allergen were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Sensitivity to at least one inhaled allergen was detected in 696 (29.6%) of 2351 patients who underwent skin prick testing for allergic symptoms. The average age of patients with inhaled allergen sensitivity was 10.37 ± 4.14 years. 278 (39.9%) of the patients were girls and 418 (60.1%) were boys. Considering the distribution of inhaled allergens detected by skin prick test, the most frequent allergens were pollen allergens (78.2%), cat epithelium (38.8%) and dog epithelium (33.8%). The most common allergens detected in girls were pollen allergens (77.3%), cat epithelium (38.1%) and house dust mites (37.1%). The most common allergens detected in males were pollen allergens (78.7%), cat epithelium (39.2%) and dog epithelium (34.7%). When allergen sensitivities were evaluated according to gender, sensitivity to house dust mites was more common in girls than in boys. Sensitivity to pollen allergens was most frequently detected in all seasons. Statistically significant differences were detected between house dust mites, pollen allergens, rye, grass mix and cat epithelium sensitivities according to seasons. Conclusion: Our study shows the distribution of inhaled allergens in Konya province. Therefore, we assume that it can contribute to the implementation of environmental measures that can be taken to protect against allergens and thus to the treatment of patients.

Objective: The identification of the most common aeroallergens causing allergic rhinitis (AR) in a specific geographic area is important in the diagnosis and treatment of AR. This study evaluates the prevalence of sensitivity to aeroallergens among patients with AR who live in Kocaeli province, Turkey. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study included a retrospective review of skin prick test (SPT) results from patients with suspected AR who were examined at a tertiary hospital rhinology clinic. Results: The SPT results of 85 patients with an AR diagnosis were included in this study. House dust mites (HDM) had the highest frequency of positive test responses (57.6%), followed by tree pollen (40.0%), grass pollen (36.5%), weed pollen (32.9%), cockroach (18.8%), animal dander (14.1%), and mold (11.8%). The majority of the AR patients were polysensitized (57.6%), and the most common allergens in polysensitized patients were tree pollen (61.2%), grass pollen (57.1%), and HDM (55.1%), respectively. The strongest single allergen in monosensitized subjects was HDM, with a rate of 61.1%. Conclusion: The most prevalent allergen was HDM among AR patients in the Kocaeli region, followed by tree pollen and grass pollen. Polisensitization occurs more frequently than monosensitization. These allergens should be prioritized in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis in Kocaeli region patients.

Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma

Multiple-allergen and single-allergen immunotherapy strategies in polysensitized patients: Looking at the published evidence

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rush immunotherapy (RIT) for patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (AR). In this study, a total number of thirty three (33) patients who suffered mite allergic rhinitis were included. These patients completed one year subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Using RIT, the patients underwent the incremental dose phase in a week instead of 15 weeks in a conventional treatment procedure. The symptom scores, visual analog scale (VAS), appropriate medication score, total blood serum IgE, dermatophagoides pteronyssinus specificity IgG4, mite allergy skin prick test (SPT), dermatophagoides farinae nasal provocation test (NPT) and the incidence of adverse reactions were used to evaluate the efficiency and safety of RIT. After one year SCIT treatment, the symptom score and VAS scores were significantly decreased, the corresponding medication usage was significantly reduced (8.91 ± 1.84, 20.64 ± 6.99 vs. 4.97 ± 2.92, 11.94 ± 7.21, t value was 9.15, 7.11, both P < 0.001) and the cutaneous reactions to mite allergen were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) as well. However, dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-specific serum IgG4 increased significantly (Z = -4.517, P < 0.001). The concentration of dermatophagoides farinae nasal provocation test (NPT) was significantly increased. After the treatment, the number of patients who had positive reactions to high concentration nasal provocation test (NPT) increased (χ² = 1.93, P = 0.38). During the treatment, all the patients experienced local reactions, and specifically there were four patients got general reactions. RIT is safe and effective. It shortened the incremental dose phase remarkably. NPT is a good indicator for diagnosing allergic rhinitis and evaluating the efficacy of the treatment.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and allergen sensitization of allergic rhinitis (AR) in preschool children. We as sessed the relationship of AR, allergen sensitization, and air pollutants. Methods: Between 2012 and 2016 in Jincheon, skin prick testing and questionnaire survey were performed on 2,958 children. AR have diagnosed on the basis of current symptoms and sign of AR on the Korean International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and 1 or more proven allergen sensitization. Results: A total of 2,052 children completed survey and skin prick testing, and were included in the analysis. The prevalence of AR symptom within last 12 months and AR were 27.0% and 10.9%, respectively. During study, both prevalences were increased from 20.1% and 8.6%, respectively in 2012 to 29.1% and 12.8%, respectively in 2016. The total inhalant allergen sensitization rate was 32.6%. The most common inhalant allergen was Dermatophagoides farinae (23.1%), followed by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (22.5%), tree pollens (5.3%), weed pollens (5.2%), fungi (4.7%), dog hair (4.5%) cat fur (3.6%), grass pollens (1.1%), and cockroach (0.8%). Although there was no difference tree or weed pollen sensitization, pollen seasonal prevalence of current AR symptoms is highest in spring (80%) versus autumn (52.3%). Seasonal PM10 (particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 μm in diameter) and SO2 (sulfur dioxide) levels were correlated with the prevalence of seasonal AR symptoms. Pollen sea sonal current AR symptoms were significantly related to seasonal pollen sensitization, but not inhalant allergens including dust mites. Conclusion: There was a rapid increasing prevalence of AR in preschool children in the areas of urbanization and industrialization. Pollen seasonal current AR symptoms have a close relationship with PM10 and seasonal pollen sensitization. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2018;6:197-205)

Objective To evaluate the common allergies and the acarines sensitization as risk factors for respiratory allergic diseases of children in Guangzhou urban districts and to provide the evidence for preventing allergic diseases. Methods All cases were collected from pediatric out-patient department of the first affiliated hospital of Guangzhou medical college from february lst,2006 to march 30th,2007. One hundred and eighty three children were above 5 years old, were diagnosed asthma and (or) allergic rhinitis,and lived in Guangzhou urban districts. In 183 cases, 132/183 were males and 51/183 were females. The average age was (8. 2 ± 0.2) years old in males and ( 7.8 ± 0.44) years old in females.Among 183 patients,58 cases were asthma,20 cases were rhinitis and 105 cases were asthma and rhinitis.All the patients of their parents or guardians completed a standardized questionnaire on the presence of respiratory and allergic symptoms. They also underwent skin prick tests with 13 common aeroallergens,total IgE,specific IgE and eosinophil count in serum. Results Among the 183 patients, 157 (85.8%) had at least one positive skin reaction. The rates of positive skin reaction with 13 common aeroallergens were from 5.5% to 75.4%. The positive rate of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(Der p) was the highest (79.8% ,146/183), then followed up by Dermatophagoides farinae(Der f) (72.7%, 133/183), Blomia tropicalis (65.0%, 119/183), dog(48.6 % ,89/183), American cockroach (47.0% ,86/183), cat (34.4%,63/183), Blatella germanica ( 29.5%, 54/183 ), mixed moulds ( 19.7%, 36/183 ), mixed grass pollens ( 15.9%, 29/183 ), Artemisia vulgaris ( 7.7%, 14/183 ), Ambrosia artemisifolia ( 5.5%, 10/183 ). The patients (146/183 cases) who were positive reactivity in mites were concomitant reactivity to multiple allergens(115/146 cases, 78.8%). Only 11 cases with negative reactivity in acaridan were combine with multiple allergens(11/37 cases, 29.7%). There was more statistically significant between in positive/negative skin reaction with acaridan( x 2= 33. 099, P <0. 001). Patients whose underwent skin reaction + with Der p or Der f or Blomia tropicalis was defined positive. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that ages,iteretur rhinitis,ocular symptoms and respiratory symptoms were risk factors for respiratory allergic diseases of children in Guangzhou urban districts. Family allergic histories,inhabited environment and food habits et al, were not risk factors. Conclusions The allergy is the important factor in respiratory allergy disease. House dust mites were the most prevalent allergens in children with asthma and (or) rhinitis in Guangzhou urban. Those patients with asthma and (or) allergic rhinitis usually have the positive skin prick tests. With the growing up, the children with respiratory allergic disease are more sensitive to acarines sensitization. To estimate allergen patterns of sensitizations in patients from different geographic areas, age groups as well as asthma and (or) rhinitis contribute to earlier diagnosis and earlier prevention. Key words: Aeroallergens; Skin prick test ; Respiratory allergic disease; Acarines sensitization

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Allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) are common respiratory conditions affecting pediatric populations. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and clinical characteristics of AR and NAR in children. A retrospective study was conducted at Goztepe Professor Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital's Pediatric Allergy and Immunology outpatient clinic. Between August 2023 and August 2024, 327 patients under 18 were diagnosed with AR or NAR. Data were collected through computerized questionnaires completed by parents. Patients were classified into AR and NAR groups based on skin prick tests and specific IgE results. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Of the 327 patients, 31.5% were diagnosed with NAR and 68.5% with AR. No significant differences were found in age of diagnosis, gender distribution, or symptom onset age between groups. AR patients had more siblings and house residents (p=0.047, p=0.05, respectively). C-section births and indoor smoking were more prevalent in the AR group (p=0.018, p=0.031, respectively). Breastfeeding for over one year was more common in NAR patients (p=0.011). AR patients more frequently experienced symptom exacerbation during school time (p=0.029). Logistic regression analysis revealed that playing outside and paracetamol use before age 1 increased NAR risk (p=0.008, p=0.044, respectively), while eczema and recurrent wheezing after age 1 increased AR risk (p=0.025, p=0.018, respectively). This study identifies distinct risk factors and clinical characteristics for AR and NAR in pediatric patients, providing valuable insights for differential diagnosis and management strategies in clinical practice.

The lower airway pathology of rhinitis