Food allergy and allergic rhinitis in 435 asian patients – A descriptive review
- Author:
Kathleen A Pang
;
Kenny P Pang
;
Edward B Pang
;
Tan Yuk Ngi Cherilynn
;
Yiong Huak Chan
;
Jin Keat Siow
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Food Allergy;
Allergic Rhinitis Level of evidence: IV
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2017;72(4):215-220
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective: To describe the prevalence of food allergy in
Asian patients with allergic rhinitis.
Study Design: A non-randomized prospectively collected
patients over a three year period, with complaints of nose
congestion, rhinorrhea and/or nasal discharge.
Results: There were 435 patients enrolled, 213 children and
222 adults. The children group had a high prevalence of
allergen specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteryonysinus
(70%), Dermatophagoides farina (69%), and Blomia
tropicalis (55%); followed by dogs (32%), cats (19%) and
cockroaches (19%). In the children food allergy category, the
top three allergens were egg white (54%), milk (31%) and
soya bean (13%). The adult group had results of
Dermatophagoides pteryonysinus (71%), Dermatophagoides
farina (72%), and Blomia tropicalis (59%); the adult food
allergy category, the top 3 allergens were egg white (13%),
milk (6%) and soya bean (5%). There was a statistically
significant difference in the child and adult group for Dust,
D. pteryonysinus, D. farina, B.tropicalis, egg white, wheat,
gluten and soya bean. In the age specific child groups, there
was an increased in egg food allergy levels, with a peak at
the age of five-nine years old and decreasing thereafter
(p=0.04). In the children group, the mean Total Nasal
Symptom Score (TNSS) was 10.3 (range of 7 to 13); the adult
group was similar, with a mean TNSS of 9.8 (range 5 to 12).
Conclusion: The prevalence of food allergy in paediatric
patients with allergic rhinitis is fairly high and should be
considered when treating these children.
