알레르기 꽃가루 농도와 알레르기 증상 유발과의 상관성 연구

Abstract

Purpose: Pollinosis is the allergic diseases which caused by allergic pollens. This study is focused on the evaluation of the relation between pollen concentration and the outbreak of allergic diseases (symptom index) from allergic patients and this outcome would be necessary to upgrade Korean own risk grade for pollen forecasting system.

Methods: Airborne particles carrying allergens were collected daily from Seoul and Guri area by using 7 days-Burkard sampler (Burkard Manufacturing Co Ltd, Hertfordshire, UK) for 6 years. Total 596 Subjects were recruited from Hanyang University Seoul Hospital (n=144 for Spring, n=139 for Autumn), and Hanyang University Guri Hospital (n=157 for Spring, n=156 for Autumn). Symptom index was evaluated and recorded by phone-calling to study subjects daily or asking questionnaire when they visit outpatient clinic every week. Statistical analysis of data was analyzed by using correlation coefficients and regression models with time series graph.

Results: Airborne pollen has two peak seasons that is May and September in Korea. In skin prick test, sensitization rate for ragweed pollen were gradually increased in children. In the same period, sensitization rates for airborne pollen, especially oak, birch for Spring, and Japanese hop for Autumn were increased annually. There are significant relationships between symptom index from allergic patients and allergic pollen concentrations in this study. Especially symptom index was significantly correlated to oak pollen concentration of Day 0 in spring and to Japanese hop concentration of Day -1 in autumn.

Conclusion: Sensitization rates for pollen increased annually. Furthermore, there are significant relationships between allergy symptom index and pollen concentrations. The risk grade levels need confirmation by further investigation for pollen allergy forecast.