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Gender differences in indoor allergen exposure and association with current rhinitis
R J Bertelsen1, C Instanes, B Granum
1Department of Environmental Immunology, Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway. randi.jacobsen.bertelsen@fhi.no
Summary
Girls exhibit higher indoor cat and dog allergen levels, but only house dust mite (HDM) allergen exposure is linked to rhinitis risk in girls, not boys.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Sex differences in allergic disease are established, potentially extending beyond physiological factors.
- Investigating environmental exposures like indoor allergens is crucial for understanding these differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if sex influences exposure to indoor allergens (cat, dog, house dust mite) in children.
- To examine the association between indoor allergen levels and rhinitis in 10-year-old boys and girls.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mattress dust for cat, dog, and house dust mite (HDM) allergens in 797 children (360 girls).
- Collection of interview data on current allergic disease.
- Statistical analysis to compare allergen levels and rhinitis risk between sexes.
Main Results:
- Girls showed higher cat and dog allergen concentrations than boys.
- No significant difference in HDM allergen levels was found between sexes.
- Increased Der p 1 (HDM) allergen levels were associated with higher rhinitis risk in girls, but not in boys.
Conclusions:
- Girls have greater exposure to cat and dog allergens, but HDM allergen exposure is the primary risk factor for rhinitis in girls.
- The association between indoor allergens and rhinitis differs between sexes, highlighting the need for sex-specific environmental health considerations.
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