Distribution characteristics and clinical correlation of inhalant allergen sensitization in children with respiratory and allergic diseases

This retrospective study investigated the distribution characteristics and clinical relevance of inhalant allergen sensitization in children with respiratory allergic diseases. Pediatric patients aged 3 to 14 years diagnosed with allergic rhinitis or asthma between January 2022 and December 2024 were included. Demographic variables, serum total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) levels, and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) sensitization to fifteen major inhalant allergens were analyzed. Sensitization patterns were compared across age groups, sex, and diagnostic subtypes, and correlations between tIgE and allergen sensitization burden were evaluated. A total of 107 children were included (51 with allergic rhinitis and 56 with asthma). House dust mite was the most prevalent inhalant allergen. Age was associated with sensitization to dog dander and mixed tree pollens, while sex differences were limited. No statistically significant differences in individual allergen sensitization were observed between allergic rhinitis and asthma after correction for multiple comparisons. Total IgE levels correlated positively with the number of sensitized allergens and were significantly associated with sensitization to major indoor allergens. These findings highlight the predominance of perennial indoor allergens and indicate that sensitization burden rather than disease subtype contributes more substantially to systemic IgE activation in pediatric respiratory allergic diseases.