| Abstrakt: |
Assessing the main allergens in the pediatric population from the largest urban area in the country. Clinical letters of patients referred with possible allergic rhinitis (AR) were retrospectively reviewed over the past 5 years. Five hundred and fifty‐five patients were included. Males suffer twice as often with AR than females and have high titers of allergens. House dust mites (44.7%) and grass pollen (29%) were the main allergens in our area, with 48% of patients sensitized to both allergens. Half of the patients had the diagnosis of AR confirmed with positive allergen‐specific tests. For the other half, the diagnosis was based on a clinical assessment performed by a pediatric otolaryngologist. Half of suspected AR children have environmental allergen sensitivity confirmed by testing, and a large number had a clinical diagnosis of AR after an otolaryngology consultation. Our findings can help clinicians to initiate AR treatment considering the most problematic allergens in the area. Significant findings of the study: House dust mites followed by grass are the main allergens in our area. Half of our population is sensitized to both allergens.What this study adds: Allergen testing can be targeted, avoiding unnecessary costs and patient distress. Effective avoidance measurements can be started based on the most common allergens found in the area, considering sensitization to both allergens. Treatment should be initiated using nasal sprays, providing technical instructions, and escalated as per Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines. Significant findings of the study: House dust mites followed by grass are the main allergens in our area. Half of our population is sensitized to both allergens. What this study adds: Allergen testing can be targeted, avoiding unnecessary costs and patient distress. Effective avoidance measurements can be started based on the most common allergens found in the area, considering sensitization to both allergens. Treatment should be initiated using nasal sprays, providing technical instructions, and escalated as per Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines. |
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