RESULTS OF SKIN PRICK TEST IN PATIENTS WITH ALLERGIC RHINITIS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: To find out results of positive skin prick test (SPT) reaction among patients with allergic rhinitis presenting in tertiary care hospital.

Material & Methods: One hundred patients who presented to the Out Patient Department of ENT- HNS of TUTH with clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis were included in the study from 2015 to 2016. Patients on corticosteroids, beta-blockers, asthmatics were excluded from the study. SPT was carried out on the volar aspect of the forearm. Each drop of allergen were kept in the previously marked spot on the forearm. Lancet was used to prick the skin. Results of the SPT were noted at 15-20 minutes. Histamine was taken as positive control and normal saline as negative control.

Results:
Out of 100 patients tested, 55 were male and 45 female. The mean age of patient was 29.23 years. The most common allergen found was Mites (D. farina) 71.42% followed by Mites ( D. pteronyssinus) 65.47% and Blomia species 64.28%. Other positive aeroallergens found were House dust, Cotton dust, Wheat dust, Grain dust, Paper dust, Hay dust, pollens and fungi like Candida Albicans, Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus Flavus, Rhizopus Nigricans, Curvularia Lunata. Monosensitization was found in 15.47% of positive cases whereas 84.52% patients had polysensitization.

Conclusion: SPT can be used reliably to detect aeroallergen sensitivity in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Keywords: allergic rhinitis, Mites, skin prick test