Skin Prick Testing of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma: a Study in Catholic Medical Center, Korea

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Allergic rhinitis is closely related to asthma. The skin prick test is an essential diagnostic tool for allergic disease. We evaluated differences in skin sensitization patterns between groups of patients with allergic rhinitis or asthma, or allergic rhinitis with asthma, in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2009, patients with positive results from skin prick testing were divided into three groups: allergic rhinitis (AR), allergic asthma (AS), and allergic rhinitis with allergic asthma (AR+AS). We analyzed demographic data, rhinitis and asthma symptoms, and sensitization patterns. RESULTS: The most common aeroallergen was the house dust mite. The age distributions of the three disease groups differed significantly. Sensitization number, sensitization index, and atopy index were all significantly higher among the AR+AS group than among the AR or AS groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with allergic rhinitis with high numbers of skin sensitizations or intensive positivities should be considered to have concomitant asthma or to be at high risk for asthma development.