A study of common aeroallergens in children with wheeze-at a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Background: Wheezing is a highly frequent symptom in paediatric populations. An etiologic diagnostic is complex and becomes more difficult with younger children. For asthma, allergen exposure plays a fundamental role in sensitization, and subsequent acute and chronic symptoms Skin prick test (SPT) allows detection of sensitization safely and efficiently in all age-groups. Aim and objectives: To assess the prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens in a pediatric population with recurrent wheezing episodes using SPT. Methodology: Cross-sectional observation study to study the type of allergic sensitivity in a pediatric population in Hyderabad. Results: Children with recurrent (4 or more episodes of wheezing in the past year) ages between 2yrs to 10 yrs. The total number of the patients included in the study was 100 patients, 50 (50%) male and 50 (50%) with Mean Age = 6.15 years. Out of the 50 male cases, 35 (70%) had positive SPT to at least one of the aeroallergens and 15 (30%) were negative for all aeroallergens tested. Out of the 50 female cases, 32(64%) had a positive SPT to at least one of the aeroallergens and 18(36%) were negative for all aeroallergens. Out of 100 children, 67 (67%) had positive SPT to at least one of the aeroallergens. 26 (70.2%) of patients with positive tests were in the age group 5-7 years and 26 (78.78%) were in the age group of 8-10 Yrs. Only 15 (48.3%) were found in the age group 2-4 years. The highest prevalence of positive skin reaction was recorded for mite allergens among them Dermatophytosis pteronyssinus (80.5%), D. Farinae (80.5%), Bloomia (56.4%), among Fungi group, Aspergillus fumigates (11.9%) Alternaria alternate (10.4%), Cladosporium herbarum (2.9%) Cat, cockroach and pigeon showed positive in (19.4%) (14.9%) and (4.4%) of cases respectively. Allergy to indoor allergens was significantly higher than outdoor allergens (P-value <0.0001). Conclusion:SPT is an effective way to determine aeroallergen with minimal expense & greater selection of antigen. Specific allergen identification helps in implementing specific allergen preventive measures. Dust mites are the most common aeroallergen in all age groups. Among Dust Mites Dermatophagoides Farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssiuns & Blomia are most common. Incidence of aero allergy in children with recurrent wheeze increases with age. Indoor allergens are more common than outdoor allergens.

Indian Guidelines for Diagnosis of Respiratory Allergy

“…659 Animal products are one of the important groups of inhalant allergens. 329,359,361,366,378,577,587,654,658,[660][661][662][663] The source of animal allergens can be domestic or stray animals, laboratory animals and animals in slaughter houses, dairy farms and stables are also important sources. Animal allergens are present indoor and outdoor environments.…”

“…Cat dander 329,359,576,577,654,658,661 Cow dander 329,359,378,577,654,658 Dog dander 329,366,378,576,577,654,658,660,661 Buffalo dander 359,366,378,654,661 Human dander 329,654 Goat dander 658 Horse dander 378,654,658 Ox dander 658 Pigeon epithelia 662 Chicken feathers 654 Pigeon feathers 654 Exposure to food allergens through inhalation can also cause food hypersensitivity reactions. Various foods have been reported to cause such reactions.…”