Anaphylaxis in Chinese Children with Pollen Sensitization: Triggers, Clinical Presentation, and Acute Management

Abstract

Purpose: Pollen sensitization is increasing in children. However, there is little evidence regarding the characteristics of anaphylaxis in individuals with pollen sensitization. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with anaphylaxis combined with pollen sensitization who attended an allergy department in a tertiary children’s hospital from 2014 to 2021. Results: A total of 157 anaphylaxis events in 108 patients were analyzed; the mean age at the reaction was 5.8 ± 4.17 years. A total of 99.1% (107/108) of the patients came from northern China. The most common sensitizing pollen was mugwort (93.5%,101/108), followed by ragweed (68.5%, 74/108) and birch (40.7%, 44/108). A total of 76.9% (83/108) of the patients showed polysensitization to pollen. Allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis was the most common comorbidity (87.0%, 94/108). Children with severe anaphylaxis were more likely to have a history of recurrent urticaria (16.1% vs 3.9%, p = 0.028). The most frequently implicated foods were fruits/ vegetables (22.3%, 35/157), followed by wheat (8.9%, 14/157) and milk (8.3%, 13/157), and the most common fruit allergen was peach (n = 7). Of 14% (22/157) exercise-induced reactions, 63.6% (14/22) occurred in pollen season. Skin symptoms were the most frequent (86.0%, 135/157) symptoms, followed by respiratory (73.9%, 116/157) and gastrointestinal (21%, 33/157) symptoms. Regarding acute management, only 7.4% of the patients were treated with epinephrine. Conclusion: Our findings revealed the characteristics of anaphylaxis in children with pollen sensitization. Fruits/vegetables accounted for a substantial percentage of anaphylaxis triggers. The suboptimal use of epinephrine highlights the need for educational programs promoting the use of epinephrine.