Allergen sensitization patterns in children with allergic rhinitis: insights from a four-year retrospective study in Shenzhen, China.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize allergen sensitization profiles in children with allergic rhinitis (AR) in Shenzhen, China, and assess the influence of demographic, seasonality, and comorbidities factors.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 4,279 children diagnosed with AR between April 2020 and March 2024. Serum-specific IgE against 28 common allergens was measured by immunoblotting. Sensitization was defined as sIgE ≥ 0.35 IU/mL. Data were analyzed by age, sex, season, and comorbidities using chi-square tests (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Sensitization to inhaled allergens (78.3%) was more prevalent than to food allergens (65.4%, P < 0.05). Dust mites (61.6%), dog dander (21.8%), and cat dander (11.4%) were the most common inhaled allergens, while milk (46.9%) and egg white (27.4%) were the leading food allergens. Sensitization to inhaled allergens increased with age, while food allergen sensitization decreased (P < 0.05). Boys exhibited higher rates of sensitization to certain allergens, and pronounced seasonal trends were observed, particularly for pollen and shellfish in summer. Children with digestive comorbidities showed broader sensitization across multiple allergens.

CONCLUSION

Distinct allergen sensitization patterns in Shenzhen children with AR highlight the need for region-specific diagnostic panels and integrated care, supporting more personalized management and future research directions.