Aim:
Allergic rhinitis is the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood with an increasing prevalence. Allergen distribution changes with geographic region and starting age of the disease. In this study we aim to determine the allergen distribution in patients with allergic rhinitis living in Tekirdağ.
Material and Methods:
We performed skin prick test to 78 (32 girls, 46 boys) patients with allergic rhinitis aged between 4-14 years old admitted to Namık Kemal University. Patients with asthma and atopic dermatitis were excluded.
Results:
We found sensitivity to at least one allergen in 31 (39,7%) patients. 16 (51,6%) patients had sensitivity to only one allergen. However, 15 (48,4%) patients had sensitivity to more than one allergen. The most sensitive group found was house dust mites with 18(58%) patients. 10 (32,25%) patients had sensitivity to weeds, 8 (25,8%) patients to tree pollens, 7 (22,5%) patients to molds, 2 (6,4%) patients to cats and 1 (3,2%) patient to foods.
Conclusion:
We found that the most sensitive allergens were house dust mites and tree pollens in our clinic. These findings were consistent with literature. Allergen sensitivity may change with geographic region and socio-economic status. To our knowledge this is the first study conducted in Tekirdağ, so our research may be used as a source in future studies.
Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, skin prick test, house dust mite