Aeroallergen Sensitization by Skin Prick Testing in Children from Erzurum, Eastern Türkiye

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and distribution of aeroallergen sensitization in children who presented with allergic complaints to the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Clinic in Erzurum and surrounding provinces and underwent skin prick testing. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,251 patients aged 2–18 years who underwent skin prick testing (SPT) at the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Clinic between February 1, 2022, and November 1, 2024. Demographic data, SPT results, serum total IgE, and eosinophil counts of patients with at least one aeroallergen sensitization were analyzed. Results: Sensitization to at least one aeroallergen was detected in 55.4% (n=693) of the patients, with 75.3% being polysensitized. The most common allergen group was pollens (79.2%), with grass pollen mix (55.1%) being the leading sensitizer. Pollens were followed by house dust mites (35.9%), cat epithelium (24.6%), dog epithelium (19.1%), and Alternaria alternata (16.5%). The most frequent diagnoses in sensitized patients were allergic rhinitis (43.7%) and asthma (26.3%). Significant differences in IgE and eosinophil levels were found between atopic dermatitis and respiratory allergic disease groups (p