Sensitization to the inhalatory allergens in the patients with allergic rhinitis

Objective. The aim of the paper is to determine the frequency of sensitization to inhalatory allergens among the patients with chronic allergic rhinitis who were treated during 2008 in allergology outpatient unit of the 'Zastava' Institute of Occupational Health in Kragujevac. Method. The patients were examined by otorhinolaryngology and allergology specialists, and all of the patients were subjected to the prick tests with the complete set of standard inhalatory allergens. Results. Total of 396 patients were tested: 296 women (74.74%) and 100 (25.25%) men at the ages of 14-68 years. Total of 290 (73.22%) patients were sensitized to domestic allergens: 199 (50.25%) to the mites and 91 (22.97%) to the house dust. Total of 106 (26.77%) patients were sensitized to environmental allergens. The majority of patients (83%) had a positive response to two or more allergens. Total of 117 (29.54%) of allergic rhinitis patients sensitized to inhalatory allergens also had other, concomitant allergic diseases: 15 patients had asthma, 32 urticaria, 47 conjunctivitis, 5 nasal polyposis and 18 sinusitis. Conclusion. Women are more likely to suffer from allergic rhinitis. Most patients have symptoms of the disease expressed throughout the year. The majority of the patients were sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. A significant number of patients with allergic rhinitis had other concomitant allergic diseases.