Allergens in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis disrupts the quality of life of a large segment of our population. Mostly it effects young individuals and can lead to considerable morbidity and complications. There were two main objectives of the study. To find out the allergens responsible for causing allergic rhinitis in the Armed forces personnel and their families residing in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. To determine the rate of positivity of the skin prick test in these selected patients. The study was carried on 200 cases in ENT department CMH Rawalpindi during March 2001 to March 2003. Patients were selected irrespective of sex, between the age brackets of 12-60 years. Patients presented with clinical features of allergic rhinitis were clinically examined and then skin prick test were carried out in AFIP Rawalpindi to find out the causative allergens. Common allergens on skin prick test were found to be house dust [72.6%], house dust mites [64%], mixed pollens [59.5%], grass pollens [46%], paper mulberry [21.5%], cannabis [13.5%] and moulds [20%]. The rate of positivity of skin prick test was found to be 88% among the selected patients of allergic rhinitis. It is concluded that determination of causative allergens form the cornerstone in the management of allergic rhinitis. Based on these findings a patient can take preventive measures against the causative allergens and a physician can diagnose and treat the patients in a better way