Publication:

The study of correlation between clinical history of allergic rhinitis and result of skin prick test in allergic rhinitis

Background Allergic rhinitis is a recurrent or chronic allergen specific type I hypersensitivity disorder. Skin prick testing is an essential test procedure to confirm sensitization in immunoglobulin E mediated allergic diseases presenting with allergic rhinitis.

Methods The present study was a hospital based cross sectional comparative study. Tests were applied to volar aspect of forearm, at least 2-3 cm from the wrist. 56 allergens were tested on patient`s body as the allergist watches for signs of an allergic skin reaction. The negative (-), positive (+), (+++) and (++++) results were assessed.

Results Out of 100 study subjects, most of the study subjects were from age group 31-40 years of age (46%) followed by 41-50 (30%). Very few i.e. 3% were less than 19 years of age. Out of total majority were male (57%) and 43% were female. Most of the females were from age group 31-40 i.e. 26%. Sensitivity of the skin prick test was 89.01% and specificity was 100%.

Conclusions Skin prick test is a very sensitive test to diagnose allergens. Sneezing was the most common symptom and dust was the most common aero-allergen found.