• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.291-301
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• 2024

Background: Based on rapid industrial development, environmental pollution has emerged as a social problem and exposure to environmental diseases is increasing. The number of patients suffering environmental diseases in Daejeon Metropolitan City is also steadily increasing, and the prevalence of atopic dermatitis there is the highest in the country. Objectives: In order to minimize exposure to harmful factors for the prevention and management of environmental diseases, an environmental disease management system suitable for the environmental characteristics of each region is needed. Basic preliminary research should be conducted to identify environmental hazards in Daejeon Metropolitan City and establish a management system. Methods: Among the households (about 50 people) participating in the 2022 Indoor Environment Remote Measurement (IoT) program, households (children aged 5 or older and adults) with insufficient results for indoor air quality measurement and symptoms related to environmental diseases were selected. The subjects were tested for living conditions, blood tests, biomarker analysis (immunoglobulin E, Eosinophil count, histamine) and multiple allergy antigen tests (MAST, 93 types). Results: Participants were 53.7% female and 46.3% male, and the average age showed an even age distribution. IgE and eosinophil count were positively correlated, and significant results were found for atopic dermatitis and IgE (p<0.05). Typical risk factors observed in the survey was the amount of indoor ventilation, chemical exposure, heredity, house dust mites, fungi, and food. Conclusions: The purpose of this study was to help establish a regional management system for environmental diseases, research and diagnosis of environmental diseases. This study is meaningful in that it is a study with customized consulting suitable for the environment of Daejeon Metropolitan City. If the limitations are addressed and continuous research is conducted, it will be helpful for the management, diagnosis, and research of environmental diseases.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2004

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the clinical effect of Gagamjeonsibaekchul-san on child diarrhea. Methods: This clinical study was carried out with 42 cases(31male, 11female) of children aged 0 to 14 years old who visited the Department of Pediatrics, Dongguk University Bundang Oriental Hospital and were diagnosed as the diarrhea. Assessments were made with reference to sex, age, the duration of symptoms and physical history. To assess the impact of Gagamjeonsibaekchul-san, the complicated signs, the duration of treatment, the correlation between the use of Gagamjeonsibaekchul- san, san and the duration of symptom were examined before and after the treatment. Results: There were 31 males and 11 females in the incidence by sex. It showed that males were more than females. The most numerous age group was 0-2(19) followed by 3-7 (11) and 9-12 (12). According to the duration of symptom, 12 children have symptom for 0-7 days, 10 for 8-14 days, 11 for 15-20 days, 4 for 22-28 days and 5 over 28 days. With regard to the physical history of the sample, 5 children had atopic dermatitis, 3 children had enteritis, 3 children had rhinitis, 2 children had tonsillitis, 1 child had otitis media, 1 child had asthma and 1 child had pneumonia. The children also had the complicated signs: 22 children had anorexia, 17 children had abdominal pain, 13 children had vomiting and 8 children had nausea in digestive organ. In addition 11 children had dizziness, 7 children had general weakness, 1 child had enuresis and 1 child had sweat in general symptoms. For the duration of the treatment, 14 children were treated for 7 days, 13 for 8-10 days, 8 for 11-14 days, 3 for 15-21 days, 2 for 22-28 days and 2 for 29-40 days. No distinct relationship between the use of Gagamjeonsibaekchul-san and the duration of the symptom was found. Conclusion: Gagamjeonsibaekchul-san is effective in the treatment of intestine mucous membrane and improves the function of digestive system. It is also an effective short-term treatment for child diarrhea.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.11-11
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• 2004

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the clinical effect of Gagamjeonsibaekchulsan on child diarrhea. Methods: This clinical study was carried out with 42 cases(31male, 11female) of children aged 0 to 14 years old who visited the Department of Pediatrics, Dongguk University Bundang Oriental Hospital and were diagnosed as the diarrhea. Assessments were made with reference to sex, age, the duration of symptoms and physical history. To assess the impact of Gagamjeonsibaekchulsan, the complicated signs, the duration of treatment, the correlation between the use of Gagamjeonsibaekchul- san and the duration of symptom were examined before and after the treatment. Results: There were 31 males and 11 females in the incidence by sex. It showed that males were more than females. The most numerous age group was 0-2(19) followed by 3-7 (11) and 9-12 (12). According to the duration of symptom, 12 children have symptom for 0-7 days, 10 for 8-14 days, 11 for 15-20 days, 4 for 22-28 days and 5 over 28 days. With regard to the physical history of the sample, 5 children had atopic dermatitis, 3 children had enteritis, 3 children had rhinitis, 2 children had tonsillitis, 1 child had otitis media, 1 child had asthma and 1 child had pneumonia. The children also had the complicated signs: 22 children had anorexia, 17 children had abdominal pain, 13 children had vomiting and 8 children had nausea in digestive organ. In addition 11 children had dizziness, 7 children had general weakness, 1 child had enuresis and 1 child had sweat in general symptoms. For the duration of the treatment, 14 children were treated for 7 days, 13 for 8-10 days, 8 for 11-14 days, 3 for 15-21 days, 2 for 22-28 days and 2 for 29-40 days. No distinct relationship between the use of Gagamjeonsibaekchul-san and the duration of the symptom was found. Conclusion: Gagamjeonsibaeichul-san is effective in the treatment of intestine mucous membrane and improves the function of digestive system. It is also an effective short-term treatment for child diarrhea.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.338-342
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• 2013

Purpose: Allergic disease and its comorbidities significantly influence the quality of life. Although the comorbidities of allergic diseases are well described in adult populations, little is known about them in preschool children. In the present study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and comorbidity of allergic diseases in Korean preschool children. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study comprising 615 Korean children (age, 3 to 6 years). Symptoms of allergic diseases were assessed using the Korean version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire that was modified for preschool children. Comorbidities of allergic diseases were assessed by 'In the last 12 months, has your child had symptoms?'. Results: The prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis as recorded using the ISAAC questionnaire, within the last 12 months was 13.8%, 40.7%, and 20.8%, respectively. The symptom rates of allergic conjunctivitis, food allergy, and drug allergy were 14.8%, 10.4%, and 0.8%, respectively. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children with asthma was 64.3% and that of asthma in children with allergic rhinitis was 21.6%. The prevalence of rhinitis in children with conjunctivitis was 64.8% and that of conjunctivitis in children with rhinitis was 23.6%. Conclusion: The prevalence of current rhinitis in our preschool children is shown to be higher than that previously reported. Allergic conjunctivitis is closely associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, further studies are warranted to determine the prevalence and effects of these comorbidities on health outcomes in preschool children.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.33-44
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• 2011

The influence of nutrition during early life on physical growth as well as mental development has been thoroughly discussed in the literature. The physical dimensions of the body are greatly influenced by nutrition, particularly during the period of rapid growth in early childhood. Nutritional status affects every pediatric patient's response toillness. Good nutrition is important for achieving normal growth and development. It is indicated that permanent impairment of the central nervous system may result from dietary restriction of imbalance during certain periods of life. If children under 3 years of age show a good nutritional status, it may be assumed that they are well nourished. Several common diseases of children such as iron deficiency, chronic constipation and atopic dermatitis are known food related diseases. Patients with chronic illness and those at risk of malnutrition should have detailed nutritional assessments done. Components of a complete nutritional assessment include a medical history, nutritional history including dietary intake, physical examination, anthropometrics (weight, length or stature, head circumference, midarm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness), pubertal staging, skeletal maturity staging, and biochemical tests of nutritional status. The use of age, gender, and disease-specific growth charts is essential in assessing nutritional status and monitoring nutrition interventions. Nutrition assessment and dietary counseling is helpful for the cure of disease, and moreover, the prevention of illness.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.492-499
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• 2021

Purpose: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten proteins and is often characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms. Food allergy (FA) is an adverse immune sensitivity to ingested food proteins leading to inflammation in various organs including the gastrointestinal tract. The relationship between CD and FA remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical relevance of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food sensitization in children with CD. Methods: Fifty-nine children diagnosed with CD were reviewed for clinical symptoms and evidence of IgE-sensitization to food and airborne allergens using the PolyCheck method. Results: IgE-mediated sensitization has been diagnosed in 20.3% of children with CD (CD/A). In the CD/A group, 58.3% of children were sensitized to food and 66.7% to airborne allergens. Further, 41.7% of patients with CD and allergy reported gastrointestinal tract symptoms associated with the ingestion of sensitizing foods. Analysis of the clinical status revealed that the incidence of other allergic disorders in the CD/A group was as follows: atopic dermatitis (33.3%), asthma (25.0%), and allergic rhinitis (16.7%). The percentage of eosinophils was significantly higher in the CD/A group than in the CD group (0.33±0.25 vs. 0.11±0.09; p=0.006). Conclusion: The diagnosis of CD does not exclude FA. The gastrointestinal symptoms in children with CD may be the result of both CD and FA; therefore, children with CD should be evaluated for the presence of FA regardless of age.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.153-158
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• 2012

Food allergy is an important public health problem affecting 5% of infants and children in Korea. Food allergy is defined as an immune response triggered by food proteins. Food allergy is highly associated with atopic dermatitis and is one of the most common triggers of potentially fatal anaphylaxis in the community. Sensitization to food allergens can occur in the gastrointestinal tract (class 1 food allergy) or as a consequence of cross reactivity to structurally homologous inhalant allergens (class 2 food allergy). Allergenicity of food is largely determined by structural aspects, including cross-reactivity and reduced or enhanced allergenicity with cooking that convey allergenic characteristics to food. Management of food allergy currently focuses on dietary avoidance of the offending foods, prompt recognition and treatment of allergic reactions, and nutritional support. This review includes definitions and examines the prevalence and management of food allergies and the characteristics of food allergens.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2019

Particulate matter (PM) is a ubiquitous air pollutant that is a growing public health concern. Previous studies have suggested that PM is associated with asthma development and exacerbation of asthma symptoms. Although several studies have suggested increased risks of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and allergic sensitization in relation to PM exposure, the evidence remains inconsistent. The plausible mechanisms underlying these effects are related to oxidative stress, enhancement of sensitization to allergens, inflammatory and immunological responses, and epigenetics. This review discusses the effect of PM on childhood allergic diseases, along with plausible mechanisms. Further studies are required to understand the role of PM exposure on childhood allergic diseases, to reduce these diseases in children.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.735-749
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate airborne pollen counts, inhalant allergen sensitization rate, and allergic disease prevalence among elementary school children in Ulsan, South Korea during 2012-2018. Methods: Burkard samplers for pollen were installed on rooftops in suburban and urban areas in Ulsan. A 24-hour sampling of airborne allergens was conducted six days/week from January 1, 2013 to November 31, 2018. Skin prick tests were done with a total of 4,246 primary school students residing in urban and suburban areas in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018. This study examined sensitization to 20 major inhalant allergens. Results: The highest monthly counts of airborne pollen were observed in April and September each year. Among the pollen identified over the six years, pine showed the highest pollen counts (44.3%), followed by oak (22.3%), alder (6.3%) and Japanese hops (4.3%). Tree pollen predominated from March to June, and weed pollen predominated from August to October. Higher sensitization rates for inhalant allergens were observed in Dermatophagoides farinae (42.4%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (43.6%), cat fur (12.1%), birch (9.9%), oak (9.6%), and alder (8.7%). The inhalant allergen sensitization rate was highest in the group with comorbidity (asthma and/or rhinitis and atopic dermatitis), and respiratory allergic disease (asthma and/or rhinitis) was higher than that of atopic dermatitis. Conclusion: Both the counts of tree pollen in the air and the sensitization rate for tree pollen were high in Ulsan. The temporal change in respiratory allergic diseases was similar to that for the sensitization rate of tree pollen, such as oak. In the future, it is considered that additional continuous research on various inhalant allergens and pollen should be conducted.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.39-48
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• 2017

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate effectiveness of the Ha-Taedok treatment and discuss how to improve the Ha-Taedok method Methods We analyzed the medical records of 20 children who were treated by Ha-Taedok method. 20 questionnaires were administered to the mothers of those children and statistically analyzed by using PASW Statistics 18. Results The children who were treated by Ha-Taedok method weighed at birth ranged from a minimum of 2.7 kg to a maximum of 3.86 kg, and the children's weight after treated by Ha-Taedok method were varied from a minimum of 2.8 kg to a maximum of 4.7 kg. The Ha-Taedok treatment was initiated to children from 3 to 23 days after their birth. 15 out of 20 mothers of the children treated by the Ha-Taedok method were satisfied with Ha-Taedok method (75%). All of them answered that they were willing to repeat the treatment to their children again or recommend the treatment to others. 10 out of 20 mothers told that the main factor/point for improvement of Ha-Taedok method was publicity. Conclusions If the effectiveness of Ha-Taedok method is scientifically proven and recommended, the scope of Ha-Taedok method for newborn infants will be widely used.