Allied health – 3002. Aero-allergen sensitivity among patients suffering from bronchial asthma in Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Out of 139 patients who underwent skin prick test, 40% (56) were males and 60% (83) were females. Majority i e 60% were in the age group of 21 -40 years. 43% (60) had family history of asthma/atopy. 80 % (111) had allergic rhinitis, 24% (34) had chronic urticaria and 24% (33) had allergic conjunctivitis. Out of 139 patients 100 (71.94%) were sensitive for one or more allergens. The common offending allergens found in the study were dust mites (DF and DP) - 49.28%, dusts - 7.2%, pollens - 6.77%, insects - 6.62%, fungi - 4.53%, epithelia - 1.92%. Comparison of asthmatics between those with positive skin prick test and negative skin prick test was done. Those with positive skin prick test had age of onset < 20 years and family history of asthma compared to negative skin prick test patients and found statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusions The most common allergens in bronchial asthma were dust mites followed by dusts and pollens. Identifying possible allergens in asthma patients help in allergen avoidance and immunotherapy in these patients.