Sensitivity to Pollen Allergens in Consecutive Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Referred to an Allergy Clinic in Prishtina
Journal Title: Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) - Year 2009, Vol 2, Issue 2
Abstract
Background. Most of the time the causative allergens of sneezing, itching, tearing and discharge in patients with rhinitis are wind-borne pollen. Aim. The aim of this study was to determine sensitivity to different pollens in patients with allergic rhinitis in the city of Prishtina, Kosovo. Material and methods. The study evaluated 41 patients diagnosed as allergic rhinitis (AR). All of them along with 38 healthy controls were subjected to skin prick test with the series of common allergenic extracts of pollens and total IgE level count. Results. M/F ratio was 1/2.4 (mean age 26.8, SD ± 10.6, range 7-46 years). Raised total IgE serum levels (> 100 IU/ml) has been found in 63.4% of subjects but eosinophil count > 4% in 34% of them. The prevalence rates for allergen group were: grasses 51.2%, trees 36.6% and weeds 36.6%. Polysensitization was common in 65.8% of subjects reacting to more than one allergen and positive family history of atopy was present in 78.2% as a risk factor for development of AR. No significant differences between genders were found. Conclusion. With this study we have shown that sensitization to grass pollen allergens is very high in our AR patients. This was expected based regional herbal geography and allergic potency.
Authors and Affiliations
Violeta Lokaj-Berisha| Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology & Immunology, Prishtina, Kosovo, Naser Berisha| University Clinical Center, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Prishtina, Kosovo, Besa Lumezi| Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology & Immunology, Prishtina, Kosovo, Ganimete Bejtullahu| Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology & Immunology, Prishtina, Kosovo, Luljeta Ahmetaj| Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology & Immunology, Prishtina, Kosovo
Keywords
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- EP ID EP8684
- DOI 10.3889/MJMS.1857-5773.2009.0047
- Views 384
- Downloads 26
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