Prevalence of aeroallergens and food allergens in allergic patients in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aims: Identification of different allergens is a major challenge in allergic diseases. Avoiding these allergens is known as one of the best types of treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of aeroallergens and food allergens in patients with allergy by Skin Prick Test.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 255 patients with allergic diseases who had referred to the Khorshid Allergy and Immunology Clinic. Skin Prick Test was performed using 82 allergen extracts to determine the patients' sensitivity to food and aeroallergens.

Results: One hundred percent of the patients were sensitive to at least one allergen. Allergy to food allergens and aeroallergens was 49% and 51 %, respectively. Most sensitivity to food allergens included hazelnut (26.27%), bananas (21.96%), egg yolk (21.56%) and wheat (20.39%). Among the aeroallergens, grass with a frequency of 87% and fungi with a frequency of 34% had the highest and lowest frequencies.

Conclusion: Depending on the nutrition, cultural habits, environmental conditions, and life style, prevalence of the allergens in each area may be different. Therefore, early identification and avoidance from these allergens can be suggested.