The Prevalance of Atopy and Allergic Rhinitis in Asthma

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of atopy and allergicrhinitis by prick skin test with multi-test II applicator in patients with asthma. Material and Methods: In this study, 200 patients who were admitted to the Medical Faculty, Department of Pulmonary Disease and who was diagnosed asthma were evaluated prospectively. Pulmonary function test and twelve aeroallergens skin test were applied to patients. Total IgE levels and blood eosinophil counts were also measured. Atopic asthma was defined as the history of asthma with positive skin test. Results: Mean age of patients was 42.4±13.2 years old. 152 (76%) were women; 48 (24%) were men. 120 (60%) were skin test positive. Allergy to pollens (%69.2) was the most prevalent sensitization, followed by allergy to house dust mites, cockroach and molds (%56.7, %41.7, %7.5). Ninety-seven patients (48%) were allergic rhinitis. Conclusion: The results showed that asthma in 60% of the patients had an atopic background in Kayseri. Less than half of the asthmatic patients had associated rhinitis. The most frequent sensitization allergens that were determined by prick skin test with multi-test II applicator in patients with or without rhinitis were pollens in Kayseri. The frequency of house dust mite was second highest, of cockroach was third highest In patients with atopic asthma and allergic rhinitis, prevention should be provided against pollens and house dust mite to control the disease.