Abstract: Objective To study the characteristics of the distribution of common inhaled allergens in a populations of allergic rhinitis patients in Qingdao over the past ten years. Methods The skin prick test was performed on 4 737 patients with allergic rhinitis who visited the hospital in Qingdao from 2008 to 2017. Commonly inhaled allergens in Qingdao were selected for detection and the results were statistically analyzed. Results The five most common allergens that had a positive result on the skin prick test were dust mites, house dust mites, cockroaches, Artemisia grandis pollen, and sycamore pollen. Locust tree pollen caused a mild allergic reaction, while other allergens caused mainly moderate or moderately severe allergic reactions. The highest rate of dust mite allergy appeared from August to January. The highest rate of Artemisia sphaerocephala pollen and ragweed pollen allergies appeared in the summer. The highest rate of sycamore pollen allergy appeared from May to August. The highest rate of ash tree pollen allergy appeared in the spring and autumn. The highest positive rate of cockroach allergy appeared in September. The highest rate of cat and dog hair, and yellow-producing penicillium allergy appeared in summer. Among the allergic patients, those who were allergic to two or three allergens at the same time comprised the majority of the sample, and those who were allergic to a single allergen or four or more allergens comprised a smaller proportion of the sample. The highest rate of dust mite and yellow-producing penicillium allergy appeared in patients aged 7-17 years, while the highest rate for other allergies appeared in patients aged 18-40 years. There was no significant difference between the male and female populations in the rate of dust mite, house dust mite, wormwood pollen, or sycamore pollen allergy; the female population had a higher rate of allergy to ragwort pollen, locust tree pollen, cat hair, dog hair, and yellow-producing mildew than the male population, and the male populations had a higher rate of allergy to cockroaches than the female population. Conclusion The main inhaled allergens causing allergic rhinitis in the Qingdao area in the past ten years were dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen. Among the allergic patients, those who were allergic to two allergens at the same time comprised the majority of the group. The highest rate of dust mite allergy appeared in July and November. The highest rate of pollen allergy appeared in the spring and autumn. The highest rate of animal hair and mold allergy appeared in the summer. Most allergies were most common in the 18-40-year-old age group. There was no difference in the rates of dust mite, Artemisia pollen, or sycamore pollen allergy between sexes. Sex differences were present for other allergens.

Key words: Inhalation allergens, Allergic rhinitis, Skin prick test, Epidemiology