[Epidemiological characteristics, distribution of allergens, and symptom severity in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, living in Konya region].

OBJECTIVES: We investigated epidemiological characteristics, distribution of allergens, and symptom severity of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR), living in Konya region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 165 adult patients (89 females, 76 males; mean age 34.5+/-10.7 years; range 18 to 68 years) diagnosed as having PAR based on clinical symptoms and skin prick test (SPT) results. Total IgE levels, distribution of allergens in SPT, and symptom severity were determined.

RESULTS: The most frequent allergens were house dust mites (84.9%), followed by pollen mixture (42.8%), fungi (38.6%), and animal dander (36.7%). Serum total IgE levels were higher than normal in 30.3%. Age at onset of symptoms was = or <25 years in 45.2% of the patients. Patients with a university degree accounted for 46.5%. Urban and rural residents accounted for 66.2% and 33.8%, respectively. Coexisting asthma and aspirin allergy were detected in 2.9% and 2.2%, respectively. A family history of allergy was present in 22.3%. The most common nasal symptom was itching, but blocked nose had the highest severity score.

CONCLUSION: In our region, house dust mites were the most frequent allergens, itchy nose was the most common symptom, and blocked nose had the highest symptom severity score in patients with PAR.