Abstract: Objective To analyse the serum specific immunoglobulin E(IgE)detection results of children with allergic rhinitis(AR)in the Changchun area. The study will provide insights into the common allergens and their distribution characteristics in children with AR. The findings of this study will serve as a valuable basis for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of children with AR. Methods A total of 478 children with AR who visited the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of the Second Hospital of Jilin University and underwent serum specific IgE detection from January 1 to December 31, 2023 were selected for this study. The common allergens and their distribution were analysed, and the differences in allergens between different age,gender groups and monosensitisation and multisensitisation were compared. Results The top four positive rates of inhaled allergens in children with allergic rhinitis in Changchun were Artemisia(38.3%), dust mite/house mite(35.6%), cat dander(34.9%), and Candida/Penicillium nodularis/Cladophorium/Alternaria spp./Aspergillus niger(34.9%). The four main food allergens were milk(63.6%), egg white(12.1%), peach/apple/mango/lychee/strawberry(8.4%), and shrimp/crab(6.9%). The highest number of visits by children with AR was observed in August(135 cases)and September(109 cases). The positivity rate for Artemisia and dwarf ragweed reached its highest point in September(57.8%,47.7%), while the positivity rate for Candida/Penicillium nodularis/Cladophorium/Alternaria spp./Aspergillus niger reached its highest point in July(56.8%), and for dust mites/house mites in December(100%). The positive rate of peach/apple/mango/lychee/strawberry was higher in males than those in females(χ2=5.473,P=0.019), while the positive rate of shrimp/crab was higher in females than those in males(χ2=6.440,P=0.011). Statistically significant differences were identified among the different age groups for the following allergens: inhalant allergens, Artemisia, dust mite /house mite, Candida/Penicillium nodularis/Cladophorium/Alternaria spp./Aspergillus niger, cat dander, and food allergens, milk, egg white, shrimp/crab, peanuts/soybeans showed statistically significant differences among the different age groups(all P<0.05). The positive rate of inhalant allergens increased with age(P<0.001), while the positive rate of food allergens showed an opposite trend(P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis(r=0.692,P=0.009)revealed a positive correlation between polysensitisation and age in all children with AR. Conclusion The primary allergens identified in children with AR in Changchun are milk, Artemisia, and dust/house dust mite. The study revealed gender and age-related differences in the prevalence of positive reactions. The positive rate of inhalant allergens increased with age, while the positive rate of food allergens decreased. Furthermore, the number of children with multiple sensitisation also increased with age. This comprehensive understanding provides a solid foundation for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of children with AR in this local area.

Key words: Allergic Rhinitis, Children, Allergens, Specific immunoglobulin E