Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025
Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
Impact of age and allergen type on sensitization changes in children with chronic rhinitis
Sucheera Nokkaew1, Wanlapa Jotikasthira1, Potjanee Kiewngam1
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Allergen sensitization in children with rhinitis changes over time, with increased rates of positive skin prick tests (SPT) observed. Repeat SPT may be needed for managing chronic rhinitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Aeroallergen sensitization evaluation is crucial for diagnosing and managing chronic rhinitis in children.
- Understanding temporal changes in sensitization patterns is essential for effective clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal changes in aeroallergen sensitization over time in a cohort of children diagnosed with chronic rhinitis.
- To identify specific allergens and patient factors influencing these sensitization shifts.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study involving 300 children with chronic rhinitis who underwent initial aeroallergen skin prick tests (SPT) between 2009-2019.
- Re-evaluation with SPT was conducted between 2022-2024 to assess changes in sensitization status.
- Analysis focused on comparing initial and follow-up SPT results, including rates of new sensitization and negative conversion.
Main Results:
- Positive SPT rates increased significantly from 71.3% to 83.7% over the study period (p < 0.001).
- House dust mites (HDM) and cockroaches were the most prevalent sensitizers. Sensitization patterns shifted in 56.7% of children, with notable increases in HDM and cat sensitization.
- Negative conversion rates varied by allergen, with Bermuda grass negative converters showing smaller initial wheal sizes compared to persistent positive reactors.
Conclusions:
- Allergen sensitization patterns in children with rhinitis are dynamic and evolve over time.
- Allergen type and patient age are significant factors influencing these changes.
- Periodic re-evaluation with SPT may be warranted for children with persistent or uncontrolled rhinitis symptoms.
Background:
Aeroallergen sensitization evaluation aids in diagnosing and managing chronic rhinitis.
Objective:
To investigate changes in allergen sensitization over time in children with rhinitis.
Methods:
Children with chronic rhinitis who underwent aeroallergen skin prick tests (SPT) between 2009 and 2019 were re-evaluated with a second SPT between 2022 and 2024. Sensitization changes were assessed by comparing initial and re-evaluation SPT results. A negative converter was defined as a previously positive test that became negative.
Results:
Among 300 children (mean age 11.5 years), positive SPT rates increased from 71.3 % to 83.7 % (p < 0.001). House dust mites (HDM) were the most common sensitization (77 %), followed by cockroaches (24 %). Sensitization patterns changed in 56.7 % of children. HDM sensitization increased across all age groups, while cat sensitization rose significantly in those initially tested before age 5. Negative conversion rates varied by allergen, highest for Careless Weed (85.7 %) and lowest for HDM (1.52 %). Children who became negative converters for Bermuda grass had smaller initial wheal sizes than those who remained positive (3 mm vs. 5.8 mm, p = 0.003).
Conclusion:
Allergen sensitization patterns evolve over time, influenced by allergen type and patient age. Repeat testing may be necessary, especially for children with uncontrolled rhinitis.
More Related Videos
11:54Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
05:31Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Hypersensitivities
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions