Increased sensitization rate to tree pollen of allergic children and
altered pollen season in Seoul metropolitan area, Korea
Abstract
Introduction: Children with allergy may increase a chance to sensitize
the allergic pollens with several environmental changes. Purpose of this
study was to investigate the correlation with alternation of pollination
associated with meteorological changes and increased sensitization rate
of pollen allergens of children in Seoul metropolitan area, Korea.
Methods: There were recruited 8,295 children who visited the pediatric
allergic clinics at Hanyang University Seoul and Guri Hospital for
allergy symptoms from January 1st, 1998 to December 31st, 2019. The
pollen was collected by Burkard 7 days-sampler in 2 hospitals during the
study. Meteorological data was investigated from Korea Meteorological
Administration. Results: Allergic sensitization of oak, hazel, and alder
pollens had the highest rate of increase among major tree pollens, an
increase of 0.28% annually. The sensitization rate to pollen was
increased with younger age group yearly. The duration of pollen season
was 98 days in 1998, but 140 days in 2019. The duration of the pollen
seasons and pollen sensitization rate to trees were positively
correlated. The relationship between the sensitization rate to pollens
and accumulated temperature were also correlated, positively.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates the correlation between the weather
changes and consequent changes of pollen seasons with increasing the
sensitization rate to allergic pollens in children in Seoul metropolitan
area. In addition, there was an increase in the sensitization rate in
younger age group from year to year. Continuous changes in distribution
of pollens raised from meteorological changes are expected from now on.