Investigation of sensitivity rates to tree pollen allergens in children with allergic asthma in Bursa region

Abstract

Introduction:It was aimed to investigate the sensitivity rates against tree pollen allergens and various factors affecting tree pollen sensitivity in children with allergic asthma.Materials and Methods: 560 children aged 5-18 years with a diagnosis of allergic asthma were included in the study. Clinical, laboratory, and skin test data of the cases were analyzed retrospectively.Results: In skin prick tests of the cases included in the study, the rate of general sensitivity to tree pollen allergens [presence of sensitivity to at least one of Olea europeae (olive), Alnus glutinosa (alder), Platanus acerifolia (plane), Corylus avellena (hazel), Betula verrucosa (birch), Pinus silvestris (pine)] was found to be 17.7%. Other allergen sensitivities; mites 75.0%, grass pollen 47.3%, grain pollen 39.5%, weed pollen 18.4%, cat and/or dog 13.4%, fungi 12.9%, cockroach 6.1% was determined. It was found that the general sensitivity rates to tree pollen allergens were in the 5-8 age group (9.5%), the 9-13 age group (20.7%), the 14-18 age group (28.8%) and increased in parallel with age (p<0,001). Tree pollen sensitivity was found to be higher in the presence of concomitantallergic rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis (p=0.019, p=0.002, respectively), and lower in the presence of mite sensitivity (p<0.001).Conclusions: In this study, tree pollen sensitivity rates were remarkable in children aged 5-18 years with allergic asthma. The data on tree pollen and other allergen sensitivities obtained from children with allergic asthma should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment approaches of the patients.