Background: The increasing incidence of allergy disorders in children is probably caused by shifting environmental factors. However, it is unclear which allergen sensitization is linked to the emergence of allergy disorders and if environmental exposures cause allergen sensitizations. To guide future preventive measures.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship among environmental exposure, allergen sensitization, & the emergence of allergy disorders.
Methods: We studied Taiwanese kindergarten students in Taiwan Childhood Environment & allergic diseases study. Six allergens were tested using skin pricks. Standardized questionnaires were used to gather data on environmental exposure and the emergence of allergy disorders. The relationship between environmental variables, allergen sensitization, and the emergence of allergy disorders was estimated using multiple logistic regressions.
Results: 3192 children in all were enlisted. Atopic dermatitis (AD) affected 485 children (15.2%), allergic rhinitis (AR) affected 1126 children (35.3%), and asthma affected 552 children (17.3%). According to ORs (95% CIs), children who were exposed to ambient tobacco smoke & fungi on the wall of their homes were more likely to develop asthma. The highest rate of mite sensitization was discovered. Significant increases in the risks of AD, AR, & asthma were linked to mite sensitization, with ORs (95% CIs) for each condition, respectively. With an OR (95% CI), cockroach sensitivity also raised the likelihood of asthma. Milk sensitization was linked to the length of nursing, while mite sensitization was linked to the home's carpet and fungus on the wall.
Conclusion: The development of allergy disorders is influenced by environmental exposures. Certain environmental exposures were linked to allergen sensitizations. There is an urgent need for early environmental treatments to stop childhood allergy disorders from developing.