How does the pattern of aeroallergen sensitization change over time across all ages?

Identification of aeroallergen sensitization is important for diagnosis and management of allergic diseases. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization status is known to change over time. However, few studies have explored changes in sensitization patterns across all age groups. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changing patterns of in vitro IgE sensitization tests in allergic rhinitis patients across all age groups.

We recruited all patients who were diagnosed as having rhinitis and who underwent in vitro IgE sensitization testing from 2007 to 2016. Of these, we included 138 who underwent repeat testing. We analyzed epidemiological data and allergen sensitization patterns.

Of all patients, 56.5% of exhibited changes in allergen sensitization patterns. The allergens to which all age groups were sensitive were most commonly mites, with the exception of patients aged 40 to 59 years. The age group in which "new sensitization," composed of those with "newly developed sensitization" and "sensitization to more allergens," was most frequent was the 2 to 12 years old group, followed by the 20 to 39 years old group. The age group in which "desensitization," composed of those with "negative conversion" and "desensitization to fewer allergens," was most prevalent was the 20 to 39 years old group followed by the 13 to 19 years old group. Grass pollen was the most common newly-sensitized allergen and also the most common desensitized allergen.

IgE sensitization to aeroallergens can change in individuals with allergy. These changes may be different according to the patient's age. If rhinitis symptoms or treatment efficacy changes, repeat IgE sensitization testing is needed to find changes in allergen sensitization patterns.