Pediatr Allergy Respir Dis.
2006 Jun;16(2):114-121.
The Correlation between Increased Sensitization Rate to Weeds in Children and the Annual Increase in Weed Pollen in Korea
- Affiliations
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- 1Hanyang University, Department of Pediatrics, Korea. jaewonoh@hanyang.ac.kr
- 2Daegu Fatima Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Korea.
- 3Busan St. Benedict Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Korea.
- 4Kwangju Veterans Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Korea.
- 5Kangneung Hyundai Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Korea.
- 6Jeju University, Department of Pediatrics, Korea.
- 7Cheongbuk University, Department of Pediatrics, Korea.
- 8Yonsei University, Department of Pediatrics, Korea.
- 9Korea University, Department of Pediatrics, Korea.
- 10Hallym University, Department of Pediatrics, Korea.
Abstract
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PURPOSE: Recently allergic diseases have gradually increased in schools and among preschool aged childhood. Pollen amount of weeds also, especially ragweed, were increased. We evaluated the increased pollen count of weed was associated with the sensitization rate to weed in childhood.
METHODS
Airborne particles carrying allergens were collected daily from eight stations nationwide(Seoul, Guri, Cheongju, Daegu, Kwangju, Busan, Kangneung, and Jeju) by using 7 days-Burkard sampler(Burkard Manufacturing Co Ltd, Hertfordshire, UK), for 7 years in South Korea(July 1, 1997-June 30, 2004). They were counted and recorded along with the weather. Data was collected through pediatric patients with allergic symptoms, who visit the pediatrics allergy clinics and capable of allerfy skin test among hospitals that have pollen collecting centers.
RESULTS
Airborne pollen has two peak seasons:May and September in Korea. There were the tree pollen seasons from the middle of February to late July, then followed the grasses and weed season from the middle of July to the end of October. Ragweed was one of the most common pollens of autumn in Korea. In skin prick tests, Mugwort was the highest sensitization rate(7.6 percent), followed by ragweed(7.1 percent), birch(6.1 percent), alder, grasses mix among the pollen extracts in Korean school aged children. Ragweed pollen counts have gradually increased since 2000. In the same period, sensitization rates for airborne pollen, especially weeds, in Korean children have increased annually(1999:4.4 percent, 2000:7.1 percent, 2001:7.4 percent, 2002:8.5 percent, 2003:7.7 percent).
CONCLUSION
Sensitization rates for outdoor airborne pollens have increased in Korean children. These findings might result from the changes of life styles and living environments in Korea.
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