Citation Information :
Gupta S, Gupta RK. Prevalence of Allergic Disorders and Allergen Sensitization Patterns in a Tertiary Care Corporate Hospital in North India. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2024; 15 (1):9-19.
Aim: To study the prevalence and pattern of allergic disorders and sensitization patterns in North India.
Materials and methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in a pediatric and allergy clinic at a tertiary care corporate hospital in Punjab, India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and patients presenting with signs and symptoms of allergy were tested using the skin prick test. The allergens were identified and sensitization patterns were compared across age-groups, gender, type of disorder, and states. Mean (SD) and proportions were reported for continuous and categorical data, respectively.
Results: A total of 256 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 16.8 years and the majority were males (65.2%). The most common allergic disorders were allergic rhinitis [211 (82.4%)], atopic dermatitis [127 (49.6%)], and allergic asthma [120 (46.9%)]. Allergic rhinitis was significantly more prevalent in males compared to females (p < 0.001). The majority of the patients had ≥3 allergic disorders at a time [175 (68.4%)]. The most common triggers for allergic symptoms were consumption of a particular food item [102 (39.8%)] and dust or dusty atmosphere [80 (31.3%)]. Sensitization was most commonly observed with Dermatophagoides farina and D. pteronyssinus but there was variation in the number and types of allergens across age-groups, states, and allergic disorders.
Conclusion: The burden of allergic disorders is high in the northern states of India with variation across states and age-groups given the different types of allergens. There is a need for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for these disorders.
Clinical significance: Understanding the prevalence, patterns, and triggers of allergies will help clinicians provide appropriate preventive counseling and treatment to the patient.
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