Allergen Sensitivity in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis by Skin Prick Test

Objective: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is rising globally and in India. Allergens are agents that trigger allergic rhinitis. Skin prick test is used to identify allergens causing allergic rhinitis. This study was done to know the skin sensitivity to different allergens in allergic rhinitis patients and to assess the percentage of positive skin prick tests which correlate well with history.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 patients with allergic rhinitis. Detailed history related allergic rhinitis and ear, nose, throat examination was done for all patients. Skin prick test was done with 11 allergens in allergic rhinitis patients and their sensitivity to allergens was studied.

Results: In all, 85 patients were female and 65 patients were male. Dust mite had the highest number of positive responses (65.3%) followed by Cassia occidentalis (34.6%). Of the patients, 13 were positive for 1 allergen, 74 were positive for 2 allergens, and 63 were positive for 3 allergens.

Conclusions: Skin prick test is a standard, rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive test used to detect allergens. Dust mite was the commonest allergen (65.3%). This study helps in educating the patients on the allergens to avoid and plan effective preventive measures.

Cite this article as: Monisha R, Ravishankar C, Pruthvi Raj S. Allergen sensitivity in patients with allergic rhinitis by skin prick test. Eur J Rhinol Allergy. 2023;6(1):5-8.