Abstract:

Objective    To investigate the classification and amount of airborne autumnal pollens in the Qingdao area and it′s relationship to pollinosis. Methods    Airborne pollens were collected with a gravity precipitation method from July to October in 2010. The collected pollen grains were identified under microscopy. In addition, 213 patients were diagnosed as pollinosis according to intradermal skin tests, specific intranasal provocation test (SNPT) with pollen allergens and specific serum IgE (SIgE). Results    2971 pollen grains were collected, and the major airborne pollens were artemisia, humulus and ambrosia. There were a significant relationship between amount of airborne pollens and number of pollinosis. 118 patients complicated bronchial asthma. Skin testing positive rate of artemisia pollen allergen was the highest, up to 83.53%. In 60 patients the positive rate of SNPT was 63.33%, in which, after SNPT there were 5 patients showed airway  hyperresponse, PEF≥10%, at 11.90%. The positive rate of SIgE (immunobloting method) was 56.67%-61.67%. Conclusion    In summer-autumn, airborne allergic pollens induced easily airway (nose and bronchiole) response. SNPT can cause influence to bronchial response. Airborne pollens of artemisia, humulus and ambrosia are important pathogenesis causing allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma in the Qingdao area.

Key words: Autumnal airborne pollen;  Pollinosis; Bronchial asthma; Skin test; Intranasal provocation test; Pollen allergens and specific serum IgE