Implication of Pollen Sensitivity Among Patients Suffering From Chronic Urticaria–Current Scenario

Introduction: Studies have implicated house dust mites and foods sensitivity in chronic urticaria based on skin prick testing and in vitro analysis. Hence we wanted to study the implication of pollen sensitivity in chronic urticaria patients along with foods and dust mite allergens using Skin Prick Test method. Methods: This study was conducted in Allergy clinic, Preventive medicine unit, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Bangalore from January 2005 to March 2010. Totally 300 patients with confirmed clinical diagnosis of Chronic urticaria were recruited and were subjected for Skin prick test with 123 allergen extracts and the results were analysed and interpreted. Results: Out of 300 chronic urticaria patients, 171(57%) were in the age group of 20–39 years. 146(48.67%) were males and 154(51.33%) were females. 181(60.33%) were having only chronic urticaria. 140(46.67%) of urticaria patients were having symptoms from 6 weeks to one year. 44(14.67%) had a family history of atopy. Majority of urticaria patients (with or without co-morbid conditions), 164(54.66%) were sensitive to food allergens followed by pollens 92(30.66%), dust mites 60(20%) and others. Among food allergens, majority 15(5%) were sensitive to masoor dal followed by almonds 14(4.66%), ginger 13(4.33%) and yeast 13(4.33%). Among pollens, majority 32(10.66%) were sensitive to Prosopis juliflora followed by Parthenium hysterophorus 17(5.66%), Peltophorum pterocarpum 17(5.66%) and Chenopodium album 16(5.33%). Among dust mites, 42(14%) and 39(13%) were sensitive to D.farinae & D.pteronyssinus respectively. Conclusion: Pollens sensitivity is also implicated in Chronic urticaria patients along with foods and dust mite allergens.