Evaluation of Aeroallergen Sensitivities in Children with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

Pardis  Shirkani; Fatemeh  Dehghani; Batoul  Amiri; Afshin  Shirkani

doi:10.18502/igj.v7i2.17853

Pardis Shirkani Department of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z4, Canada
Fatemeh Dehghani Department of Immunology, Asthma and Allergy, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
Batoul Amiri Clinical Research Development Center, The Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Ira
Afshin Shirkani Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, Bushehr University of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Bushehr, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/igj.v7i2.17853

Keywords: Hypersensitivity; Asthma; Aeroallergens; Allergic Rhiniti

Abstract

Background: Asthma and allergic rhinitis are prevalent respiratory conditions influenced by genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Understanding the distribution of these conditions and their associated allergens is essential for effective management and prevention strategies. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and their co- occurrence in a specific population, with a focus on allergen sensitivity patterns.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or both. Allergen sensitivity was assessed using skin prick tests for common environmental allergens, including weeds, mites, cockroaches, and mixed allergens. Data analysis included prevalence rates, allergen distribution, and a heatmap visualization of allergen-patient associations.

Results: Males demonstrated a higher prevalence of asthma (68.8%), allergic rhinitis (64.4%), and combined conditions (67.0%) compared to females. Weeds were the most common allergen among asthma patients (40.0%), while mixed allergens were predominant among allergic rhinitis (45.7%) and coexisting conditions (50.0%). Heatmap analysis revealed strong associations between mites, cockroaches, and respiratory conditions, reinforcing their role as significant allergens. The high prevalence of mixed allergens in patients with both conditions suggests the need for comprehensive allergy management approaches.

Conclusion: This study highlights a male predominance in asthma and allergic rhinitis cases and underscores the role of environmental allergens in disease manifestation. The findings support targeted allergen avoidance and personalized immunotherapy strategies for optimal respiratory disease management