Hanmant Ganpati Varudkar1, Bhavya Atul Shah2, Arti Julka3, Mahendra Singh Raghuwanshi4, Sourav Khosla5, Swapnil Jain6
BACKGROUND Accurate diagnosis of allergy is rarely done in allergic rhinitis and asthma patients. The correct prevention of specified allergens may help in better management of these ailments and prevent progression of disease.
The aim of the study is to study the identification of common allergens and feasibility of allergen avoidance in school children of 9-14 years age group.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An observational study was done at Ujjain from 2013 to 2015.A questionnaire was distributed in 34 schools covering 10,000 students. Symptom exacting six questions were to be answered by students and parents. Students having AR and/or BA underwent dermal sensitivity testing with 25 common allergens. Monthly follow up was done for a year.
RESULTS
3142 questionnaires were received back, out of which, 2061 were valid. Among these, 694 patients were having positive response to at least one of the questions in questionnaire. Allergy testing could be done in only 42 children, out of 199, due to various reasons. 54.8% patients showed reduction in symptoms after the avoidance, but in 38.1% of cases, the symptoms were persistent.
CONCLUSION
Dermal tests showed sensitivity to house dust, Aspergillus fumigatus, rice, egg whole and cat dander. Those patients who prevented allergens had relief of symptoms.
