Objective: To demonstrate the allergic sensitisation pattern in children and adults presenting with allergy symptoms in multi-centre allergy clinics in North Bangalore observed through Skin Prick Test.
Methods: Data on sensitisation, clinical history, physical examination, and diagnosis of individuals who presented to multi-centre allergy clinics with allergic symptoms, and underwent skin prick test, was analysed retrospectively, to establish sensitisation pattern, its correlation to clinical presentation and variation in paediatric and adult population.
Results: 35 children and 46 adults underwent Skin Prick Test for their allergy workup from March to November 2016. Allergic rhinitis was commonest among adults (60.86%) and asthma (51.43%) in children.
Aeroallergen sensitisation was seen in 78.26% of adults and 85.7% of children. Adults were sensitised to house dust mites (Blomia tropicalis - 57.14%, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus & farinae - 47.83% & 30.43%), Cockroach - 29.27%, pollens (Parthenium hysterophorus - 29.27%), and molds (Alternaria alternata - 29.27%, Aspergillus fumigatus - 17.07%).
Children were sensitised to house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus & farinae - 80.00% & 68.57%, Blomia tropicalis - 40.00%), Cockroach (17.65%) and pollens (Parthenium hysterophorus - 14.71%).
Differences were noted in pattern of sensitisation for these allergens in the allergic rhinitis, asthma and the 'rhinitis with asthma' groups, which are discussed in the manuscript.
Conclusions: Our cohort was sensitized to common airway allergens with differences in sensitisation pattern in adult and pediatric population and in the different allergy phenotypes. Knowledge of sensitisation pattern and differences within the population enables clinicians to provide patient-centric diagnosis and treatment including pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy.