Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory disease in children, with increasing rates in Saudi Arabia. Allergen sensitization plays a crucial role in asthma development and severity. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical impact of aeroallergen and food sensitization in children with asthma in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted at Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital, including 194 children aged 3-12 years with atopic asthma. Sensitization to 26 common aeroallergens and food allergens was assessed using the EUROLINE Allergy test. Associations between sensitization patterns, atopic comorbidities (allergic rhinitis and eczema), and asthma-related outcomes (hospitalizations, medication use, and school absenteeism) were analyzed. RESULTS: A high prevalence of sensitization was observed (74.2% for aeroallergens; 56.7% for food allergens). Aeroallergen sensitization was associated with older age (p < 0.001), male sex (p = 0.026), allergic rhinitis (p < 0.001), eczema (p = 0.295), and increased asthma morbidity, including hospitalizations (p = 0.002) and corticosteroid use (p = 0.012). Food sensitization was associated with eczema (p < 0.001) but did not significantly impact other asthma outcomes. Poly-sensitization was associated with a higher prevalence of eczema (p = 0.003). Dust mite sensitization was a strong independent predictor of severe asthma (adjusted odds ratio = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.7-11.8, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of aeroallergen and food sensitization among children with atopic asthma in Southwestern Saudi Arabia, with distinct sensitization patterns and associated comorbidities. Aeroallergen sensitization, particularly to dust mites, was associated with increased asthma morbidity, highlighting the importance of comprehensive sensitization assessment in this population. While limited by its retrospective design, this study provides valuable insights into the interplay between sensitization and childhood asthma, informing future research and clinical practice.