Analysis of allergen distribution and indoor factors in allergic rhinitis in Chaoshan area
Objective:To investigate the distribution of common allergens and indoor factors influencing the severity of allergic rhinitis in patients from the Chaoshan region.Methods:Patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis from Shantou,Jieyang,and Chaozhou were selected for serum allergen-specific IgE testing.A questionnaire sur-vey was conducted to analyze the distribution of allergens and indoor factors affecting the severity of the disease.Results:A total of 1 800 questionnaires were collected,with 1 646 valid responses,resulting in an effective re-sponse rate of 91.4%.Among the 1 646 included patients with allergic rhinitis,there were 1 285 children(≤14 years),361 adolescents and adults(>14 years);of which 999 were males and 647 were females.The top three al-lergens with the highest positive rates were house dust mites(n=1 457,88.5%),milk(n=569,34.6%),and crab(n=360,21.9%).The proportions of allergen sensitization to house dust mites,house dust,dog dander,egg white,milk,fish,crab,shrimp,and beef showed statistically significant differences between children and ad-olescents and adults(P<0.01).There were also statistically significant differences in crab and shrimp sensitiza-tion between males and females(P<0.01).Multivariate analysis revealed that active/passive smoking,religious rituals,air conditioning usage,pet ownership,air purifier usage,and bedding drying were indoor factors influen-cing the severity of allergic rhinitis.Among them,active/passive smoking,religious rituals,air conditioning us-age,and pet ownership were risk factors for exacerbating the disease,while air purifier usage and bedding drying were protective factors.Conclusion:House dust mites are the most common allergen in patients with allergic rhi-nitis in the Chaoshan region.Active/passive smoking,religious rituals,air conditioning usage,and pet ownership can worsen the condition,while air purifier usage and bedding drying can help control the disease.The results of this study can provide clinical reference.