Allergic Rhinitis Epidemiology and Allergen Sensitization

Allergic rhinitis is a widespread inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa driven by immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated responses to inhaled allergens. Globally, prevalence estimates vary widely owing to differing case definitions, environmental exposures and genetic predispositions. Epidemiological surveys highlight steadily rising rates over recent decades, reflecting urbanisation, changes in lifestyle and climatic shifts. Sensitization—the process by which the immune system develops specific IgE antibodies against aeroallergens such as house dust mites, pollens, animal dander and mould spores—underpins symptom onset and severity. Patterns of sensitization often display marked geographic and seasonal variation, with monoclonal IgE responses to a single allergen in some regions and polysensitization to multiple allergens elsewhere. Cross-sensitization between allergen sources can exacerbate clinical manifestations and guides the selection of diagnostic panels and avoidance strategies. Advances in molecular diagnostics and epidemiological modelling have begun to unravel complex interplays among climate, urban exposures and genetic factors, offering new avenues for personalised management and public-health interventions.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A large multicentre study of preschool children with allergic rhinitis in China examined sensitization to 11 inhalant allergens and found that dust mites dominated across regions, while pollen sensitization showed clear seasonal peaks. Regional monsoon and arid zones exhibited contrasting profiles, with mite sensitization highest in humid areas and grass-pollen sensitization most prevalent in dry zones. Children with multiple pollen sensitivities experienced more severe nasal and ocular symptoms than those sensitized to mites alone or negative for airborne allergens.

In a foundational optimisation of skin-prick testing panels, researchers mapped sensitization patterns across distinct climatic regions and established minimal allergen batteries that identify over 95 % of sensitized subjects. House dust mite extracts, mugwort pollen and cockroach antigens formed a core screening set in central China, with tailored additions for north-east, north-west and southern provinces to account for local pollens and moulds.

A cross-regional investigation comparing coastal and inland populations revealed that although house dust mite sensitization prevailed in both settings, inland subjects had lower rates of high-class IgE reactivity and higher co-sensitization to tree pollens and seafood allergens. These findings underscore how geomorphological and dietary factors modulate regional sensitization profiles.

Allergic Rhinitis Epidemiology and Allergen Sensitization publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in allergic rhinitis epidemiology and allergen sensitization across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Allergic rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by IgE-mediated responses to inhaled allergens.

Sensitization: The immunological process by which exposure to an allergen induces specific IgE production.

Specific IgE (sIgE): Antibodies measured in serum that indicate sensitization to particular allergens.

Skin Prick Test (SPT): A diagnostic procedure applying small amounts of allergen extracts to punctured skin to detect immediate hypersensitivity.

Aeroallergen: Airborne substances (e.g., pollens, dust mites, mould spores) capable of inducing IgE-mediated allergic responses.

Polysensitization: Concurrent sensitization to multiple, often unrelated, allergen sources.

References

1. Identifying the Risk Factors of Allergic Rhinitis Based on Zhihu Comment Data Using a Topic-Enhanced Word-Embedding Model: Mixed Method Study and Cluster Analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research (2024).
2. Multicenter study of seasonal and regional airborne allergens in Chinese preschoolers with allergic rhinitis. Scientific Reports (2024).
3. Worldwide prevalence of rhinitis in adults: A review of definitions and temporal evolution. Clinical and Translational Allergy (2022).
4. Sensitization patterns and minimum screening panels for aeroallergens in self-reported allergic rhinitis in China. Scientific Reports (2017).
5. A cross-sectional observational study on allergen-specific IgE positivity in a southeast coastal versus a southwest inland region of China. Scientific Reports (2017).
6. Allergens sensitization among children with allergic diseases in Shanghai, China: age and sex difference. Respiratory Research (2022).