ABSTRACT

Sensitization prevalence studies have been rarely reported in children with allergic rhinitis from different regions of Turkey, and the exact rates of some sensitizations in humid regions such as Sakarya are still unknown. The aim of this study was to explore what kind of allergens play a role in sensitizations of allergic rhinitis patients during childhood in the Sakarya province of Turkey.

This cross-sectional study involves 623 patients, 1–18 years of age, who have allergic rhinitis symptoms and were referred to the only pediatric allergy outpatient clinic in Sakarya between May 2013 and June 2015. Firstly, a questionnaire containing demographic data and patient history was completed. The multiple skin prick test system was used to detect sensitization. With 0 x 0 mm negative control, any positive test result with an allergen was defined as a wheal ≥3 mm diameter.

Overall, 289/623 (46%) children showed a positive response. 37% of them were found to have multiple sensitizations. Among the 289 patients, there were sensitizations to pollens (252/289: 87%), mites (51%), grasses (66%), trees (21%), molds (8%), animals (6%), and foods (6%). Sensitizations above 5 years of age were as follows: grasses, 72% (168/233); mites, 49.4%; trees, 24.5%; molds, 6.9%; and animals, 6%. Under 5 years were as follows: mites, 59% (33/56); grasses, 42.9%; foods, 25%; molds, 10.7%; trees, 5.4%; and animals, 3.6%.

There were significant sensitizations detected for pollens and mites. Overall, a lower sensitization (8%) to molds is found in our patients who were referred to us from the humid Sakarya province.

Keywords: Sensitization, allergic rhinitis, allergen, prevalence.