Pooja Arora

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis accounts for a significant burden of allergy in whole world. Precise identification of allergens is worthwhile since it may lead to improvement in therapy. So we conducted an observational study of common allergens by skin prick test in a group of patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 2300 skin prick test were done using 46 common inhalant allergens on 50 patients of allergic rhinitis. Results: Males were the predominant group of patients, and Allergic rhinitis was more common in 21- 29 years age group in our study. Frequency of positive skin prick test response to various group of allergens were- pollen (80%), dust (70%), mite(52%), lnsects (50%), fungi(48%) and epithelial antigen(20%).overall, pollen of parthenium (70%) followed by house dust(64%) were found to be the most common offending allergens. Conclusion: Skin prick test used to identify the putative allergens is valuable to the patients for instituting avoidance therapy and immunotherapy efficiently and economically. Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, Skin prick test, Aeroallergens.

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Allergic rhinitis, a global health issue, if left untreated cause serious conditions like asthma, sinusitis or ear infections. Precise identification of allergens is worthwhile since it may lead to improvement in therapy. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the common inhalant allergens causing allergy in and around Saharanpur by skin prick test, serum IgE levels, nasal smear eosinphilia and AEC levels. Materials and Methods: 50 patients diagnosed clinically to have allergic rhinitis were included in the study. Absolute eosinophil count, nasal smear for eosinophils, and total IgE levels (wherever possible) were determined. Skin prick tests using 46 common inhalant allergens were done and results analysed. Results: Increased absolute eosinophil count, nasal smear positive for eosinophil and raised total IgE levels were found to be present in 56%, 22% and 97% of the patients respectively. Frequency of positive skin prick test response to various group of allergens were — Pollen (80%), Dust (70%), Mite (52%), Insects (50%), Fungi (48%) and Epithelial antigens (20%). Overall, pollen of Parthenium (in 70%) followed by House dust (in 64%) were found to be the most common offending allergens. Conclusion: It can be concluded that skin prick test along with serum IgE levels used to identify the causative allergens is useful in the patients of allergic rhinitis. Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, Skin prick test, Aeroallergens, Nasal smear eosinophils, IgE.

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