IDENTIFICATION OF ALLERGENS BY SKIN PRICK TEST IN PATIENTS OF POKHARA SUFFERING FROM ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the occurrence of etiological allergens by skin prick test in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis in Pokhara.

Material and methods:

Allergic Rhinitis was diagnosed by consultant Otolaryngologist in Gandaki Medical College-Charak Hospital and Research Centre (GMC-CHRC) and Allergy test was done by skin prick method by the consultant Dermatologist at Padma Nursing Home, Pokhara.

Results:

Total number of patients involved in the study was 67. The commonest allergen was house dust mite (D. farina 64%, D.pteronyssinus 61%, Blomia sp. 46%). Other allergens were dust (wheat 56%, silk 53%, cotton 50%, rice 49%, hay 47%), pollen (Mangiferaindica 37%, Argemonemexicana 34%), insects (House fly 35%, moth 34%, red ant 32%), fungus (Candida albicans 31%, Fusariumsolanii 28%). Majority of the patients had multiple allergens.

Conclusion:

House dust mite was the most common allergen which was detected in 64% of the patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. Precautions to protect oneself from exposure to this house dust mites must be explained to all the patients suffering from allergic rhinitis.

Keywords: allergen, allergic rhinitis, skin prick test