Sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis in Shiraz, Southwestern Iran

Background: Aeroallergens as one of the most common cause of allergic disease derived from pollens, dust mites, fungi, and animals. The prevalence of aeroallergens is different in various areas. Objectives: This study was designed to identify the frequency of sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with allergy in Shiraz, Southwestern Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study included 656 patients with allergy from Southwestern Iran from July to December 2014. Sensitization to aeroallergens was assessed by skin prick test using a panel of common 15 aeroallergens in studied patients. Results: A positive skin test to at least one of the applied allergens was seen in 74.5% of our patients. The female to male ratio and mean age of the patients were 1.27 and 27.6 ± 14.7 years, respectively. Pollens were the most common type of aeroallergens (64.6%), followed by dust mites (34.6%), cockroach (30.6%), and molds and cat hair (16% for each). Among pollens, the frequency of sensitization to weeds, grasses, and trees was in turn. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that pollens play as a main sensitizing allergen in asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. This pattern was compatible with the results from studies carried out in this area.