Inhalant allergens in respiratory disorders: comparative study on the intradermal skin testing, IgE levels and spirometry in South Indian population

Allergy is considered to be the most damaging factor for the causation of bronchial asthma. An attempt was made to identify the allergens and the risk factors, and their correlation with IgE levels and spirometry – the measuring of breath which is the most common of the pulmonary function. The study group consisted of 139 patients suffering from asthma from South India, visiting Mahavir Hospital. Screening and clinical investigations were performed for all cases. Intradermal skin test was done for the identification of allergens. Patients with respiratory allergy were in the age group of 20–39 years. About 55.4% were males and 44.6% females and 59.7% were from urban areas. The disease conditions prevalent among these patients were asthma and rhinitis in 64%, asthma in 29.5%, asthma, urticaria and rhinitis in 4.3%, and asthma and urticaria in 2.2%; some of the male patients were cigarette smokers. Most individuals used LPG as fuel (96%) and few individuals used kerosene and cow dung as fuel. The percentage of patients positive for various fungal and pollen allergens was identified. Comparative studies with spirometry showed FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC were ,80%. IgE levels were more than 100 IU in 87% of individuals. 40% of patients had family history of allergy and 10% had history of pets at home. Higher prevalence of asthma was among men. Maximum population was from urban areas. Allergic symptoms co-existed and skin testing reflected the behavior of disease. Patients with allergen sensitivity showed obstructive airways. It is concluded that the identification of allergens can allow early intervention of ongoing disease and modification of subsequent natural history of disease.