Ornamental plants (OPs) can lead to immediate type sensitization and even asthma and rhinitis symptoms in some cases. We aimed to evaluate sensitization to OPs in patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and to determine the factors affecting the rate of sensitization to OPs.
Methods:
A total of 150 patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and 20 healthy controls were enrolled to the study. Demographics and disease characteristics were recorded. Skin prick tests were performed with a standardized inhalant allergen panel. Besides, skin tests by “prick to prick” method with the leaves of 15 OPs which are known to lead allergenic sensitization were performed.
Results:
Skin tests with OPs were positive in 80 patients (47.1%). There was no significant difference between OP sensitized and non-sensitized patients in terms of gender, age, number of exposed OPs and duration of exposure. Skin test positivity rate for OPs was significantly high in atopic subjects, patients with allergic rhinitis, food sensitivity and indoor OP exposure. Most sensitizing OPs were Yucca elephantipes (52.5%), Dieffenbachia picta (50.8%) and Euphorbia pulcherrima (47.5%). There was significant correlation between having Saintpaulia ionantha, Croton, Pelargonium, Yucca elephantipes and positive skin test to these plants. When compared with healthy controls patient group was more atopic [82/150(54.6%) vs 3/20(15%)] (p=0.001) and more sensitized to OPs [76/150(50.7%) vs 4/20(20%)] (p=0.01).
Conclusions:
Sensitivity to OPs was significantly higher in atopic subjects, patients with allergic rhinitis, food allergy and indoor OP exposure. Furthermore, atopy and food sensitivity were found as risk factors for developing sensitization to indoor plants. Further trials on relation between sensitization to OPs and allergic symptoms are needed.