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[Japanese cedar pollinosis in children in our allergy clinic]
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mie University School of Medicine.
Insights
Japanese cedar pollinosis is increasing in children. Sensitization rates to Japanese cedar pollen have significantly risen over two decades, with many children also allergic to house dust mites.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Otorhinolaryngology
Context:
- Rising incidence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in pediatric populations.
- Observed increase in allergic sensitization among children.
- Prevalence of co-existing allergies, particularly to house dust mites.
Purpose:
- To investigate the trend of sensitization and disease onset of Japanese cedar pollinosis in children.
- To analyze the changing rates of allergic sensitization to Japanese cedar pollen and house dust mites over time.
- To assess the prevalence of multiple allergies in pediatric patients.
Summary:
- Skin test and IgE antibody positivity for Japanese cedar pollen increased from 43% and 26% in 1981 to 58% in 1996.
- House dust mite allergy remained high (80-90%), with most Japanese cedar pollinosis patients also sensitized to dust mites.
- Among 115 pediatric patients, 40.9% were allergic to both Japanese cedar pollen and house dust mites; girls showed a higher prevalence of pollinosis.
Impact:
- Confirms a significant increase in pollen sensitization among children over the past 20 years.
- Highlights the need for monitoring and care for sensitized children, including those asymptomatic during pollen season.
- Suggests a growing public health concern regarding pediatric allergic respiratory diseases.
Abstract:
Recently, it is pointed out that the incidence of Japanese cedar pollinosis has increased in children. We studied on the rate of sensitization and the onset of the disease in children under sixteen who visited allergy clinic in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Mie University Hospital. The percentage of positive rate of skin test and IgE antibodies of house dust mite was about 80 to 90% in 1981, 1991, and 1996. However, the percentage of positive rate of skin test and IgE antibodies of Japanese cedar pollen was 43% and 26%, respectively in 1981, but both increased to 58% in 1996. Most of Japanese cedar pollinosis patients also had house dust mite allergy. Among 115 pediatric patients who visited our allergy clinics in the past seven years, 32.2% were allergic to house dust mite alone, 8.6% were allergic to Japanese cedar pollen alone, 40.9% were allergic to both, and 6.1% were allergic to house dust mite, Japanese cedar pollen, and orchard grass pollen. 68% of the total 115 patients were boys, but significantly more girls had the pollinosis. 17.4% of those who are sensitized to the pollen were asymptomatic during the pollen season. Thus, it was confirmed that the rate of children sensitized to the pollen has apparently increased for the past twenty years. We should take care of those children who are sensitized to the pollen but asymptomatic during the pollen season.