Objectives:This study was designed to determine whether the sensitivity of a spectrum of allergens using skin-prick test correlates with symptom severity in allergic rhinitis and asthma patients.
Material and method: A detailed history taking and clinical examination was carried out for each patient (i.e., for those satisfying the inclusion criteria), which includes a diagnostic nasal smear and skin prick testing (SPT). The allergens selected for SPT was based on the reference pollen calendar of Bangalore city created by us and clues from the patient’s exposure to the probable allergens in his surroundings.
Result: We studied a total of 120 patients. The overall rate of sensitisation to any allergen was 96 %. The most common allergen was House Dust Mite (HDM 35%), while the most prevalent House Dust Mite was found to be Mite D-Pteronyssinus. Sensitivity towards pollens and fungal spores was 16% respectively. 57.5% of the Allergic Rhinitis patients had Persistent Allergic Rhinitis, out of which 78% were Moderate-Severe grade and 38.3% had Intermittent Allergic Rhinitis, of which 73% were Moderate-Severe.
Conclusion: In light of the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that appropriate preventive strategies can decrease the cost and morbidity of therapeutic measures. The representation of the SPT reactivity to the House Dust Mite allergen may be a useful reference to counsel patients with allergic rhinitis.