A study of skin prick test sensitivity to common allergens in patients of nasobronchial allergy

BACKGROUND: Nasobronchial allergy accounts for a significant burden of allergy all over the world. The prevalence of nasobronchial allergy is increasing, so we conducted an observational study of common allergens by skin prick test (SPT) method in this group of patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to study skin sensitivity to various allergens in patients of nasobronchial allergy, using SPT method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6000 SPTs were done using 60 allergens on 100 patients of nasobronchial allergy. RESULTS: Males were the predominant group of patients, and nasobronchial allergy was most common in 21–30 years' age group in our study. Among various groups of allergens studied, insects (24%) were the most common offending allergens, followed by dust mite (20%), airborne dust (11.3%), pollens (7.75%), fungi (6%), dander (6%), silk (4%), juicy foods (2.4%), and nonjuicy foods (2.25%). Among insects, moth (30) was the common allergen. Among dust, grain dust (30) was the common allergen. Among pollens, Cassia siamea (20) was most common. Aspergillus fumigatus (16) was the most common fungus to which sensitivity was elicited. Among miscellaneous foods (juicy and nonjuicy), milk, almonds, and cashew nut (4 each) were the common allergens. CONCLUSION: Skin prick testing forms an essential part of a comprehensive approach for allergy remediation. Our study determined skin sensitivity to various allergens for avoidance therapy and immunotherapy in affected patients. Allergy to insects as found in our study to be most common is likely because of prevailing poor sanitation and overcrowded dwellings in the Indian milieu.