Allergic rhinitis in Korean immigrants to the United States

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis among Korean immigrants to the United States is unknown. However, after arrival in the United States, many develop allergic rhinitis for the first time. This study is undertaken to investigate and establish some contributing environmental factors and the time until onset of allergic rhinitis in Korean immigrants to the United States living in Chicago. Information regarding 246 Patients of Korean origin who presented to a Chicago allergy/immunology clinic from 1993 to 1998 were analyzed by retrospective chart review. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was established by history, physical examination, and skin testing for immediate hypersensitivity to airborne allergens. The mean residential time in the United States Of our patients was 13.5 years (range, 2-38 years). The mean interval from arrival in the United States to onset of symptoms was 8 years (range, 0-24 years) The most commonly identified allergens were ragweed pollen (59%), cat pelt (44%), cocklebur pollen (41%), house-dust mite (35%), and Penicillium (29%). We conclude that the spectrum of responsible allergens in Korean immigrants closely resembles that seen in native citizens of the United States and that environmental factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis in this population.