Yonsei Medical Journal

Yonsei Univ College Medicine (연세대학교의과대학)
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A Six-Year Study on the Changes in Airborne Pollen Counts and Skin Positivity Rates in Korea: 2008-2013

  • Park, Hye Jung (Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Jae-Hyun (Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Park, Kyung Hee (Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Kyu Rang (Applied Meteorology Research Division, National Institute of Meteorological Science) ;
  • Han, Mae Ja (Applied Meteorology Research Division, National Institute of Meteorological Science) ;
  • Choe, Hosoeng (Applied Meteorology Research Division, National Institute of Meteorological Science) ;
  • Oh, Jae-Won (Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine) ;
  • Hong, Chein-Soo (Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2015.07.20
  • Accepted : 2015.09.20
  • Published : 2016.05.01
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Abstract

Purpose: The occurrence of pollen allergy is subject to exposure to pollen, which shows regional and temporal variations. We evaluated the changes in pollen counts and skin positivity rates for 6 years, and explored the correlation between their annual rates of change. Materials and Methods: We assessed the number of pollen grains collected in Seoul, and retrospectively reviewed the results of 4442 skin-prick tests conducted at the Severance Hospital Allergy-Asthma Clinic from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2013. Results: For 6 years, the mean monthly total pollen count showed two peaks, one in May and the other in September. Pollen count for grasses also showed the same trend. The pollen counts for trees, grasses, and weeds changed annually, but the changes were not significant. The annual skin positivity rates in response to pollen from grasses and weeds increased significantly over the 6 years. Among trees, the skin positivity rates in response to pollen from walnut, popular, elm, and alder significantly increased over the 6 years. Further, there was a significant correlation between the annual rate of change in pollen count and the rate of change in skin positivity rate for oak and hop Japanese. Conclusion: The pollen counts and skin positivity rates should be monitored, as they have changed annually. Oak and hop Japanese, which showed a significant correlation with the annual rate of change in pollen count and the rate of change in skin positivity rate over the 6 years may be considered the major allergens in Korea.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease

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