Distribution and Characterization of Aeroallergens in the Etiology of Allergic Rhinitis Patients in İstanbul Kartal Region

Abstract

Aim: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease and the first step in its treatment is to determine the allergen responsible for its etiology and totake preventive measures. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of aeroallergens in AR patients in İstanbul Kartal region and toinvestigate other factors affecting the severity of AR.Materials and Methods: The study was performed in a tertiary hospital on the Anatolian side of İstanbul among patients who were admitted tothe allergy and clinical immunology outpatient clinic and diagnosed with AR. Data of patients were obtained from medical records retrospectively.Age, gender, concomitant atopic disease, family transition history, serum total IgE and serum eosinophil (Eo) levels were evaluated. Skin prick testswere performed with 25 allergens.Results: One hundred and sixty patients were included in our study. Ninety-six (65.8%) of the patients were female and the median age of the studypopulation was 31 (18-75) years. Distribution of aeroallergens according to skin test results was as follows; D. pteronyssinus (78.1%), D. farinae(75.2%), Tyrophagus putrescentlae (59.6%), Acurus siro (57.5%), Lepidoglyphus destructor (40.4%), cereals mix (37.7%), and cat hair (33.6%). It wasfound that there was a significant increase in total IgE levels (p<0.001) consistent with the increase in serum Eo level.Conclusion: In our study, mite sensitivity has been found to be the most common allergen sensitivity in accordance with the geographic andclimatic characteristics of the İstanbul region. Secondly, cat hair sensitivity and pollen (grasses mix) sensitivity were similarly high due to theincrease in the number of domestic animals in the modern age. We think that our study contributes to the literature by examining the distributionof these allergens that cause AR and patients are guided to take preventive measures in this regard.