Authors: Calabria, Christopher W.; Dice, John P.; Hagan, Larry L.

Source: Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 28, Number 4, July-August 2007 , pp. 442-448(7)

Publisher: OceanSide Publications, Inc

Abstract:

Prior studies looking at allergic sensitization have focused on narrow age ranges or small numbers of allergens. This study is the first to examine the prevalence of positive skin test responses in a symptomatic military population with a wide age range of patients and large number of allergens. This study was a retrospective analysis of our skin test database. We included 1137 patients aged 4-79 years old who underwent our standard skin-prick testing panel of 53 aeroallergens and 2 controls using the Quintest device (Hollister-Stier, Spokane, WA). Results indicated that 81.6% of patients had at least one positive skin test. Rates of atopy were similar between male and female patients; 9.2% of patients were monosensitized. The average number of positive skin tests peaked in the 10- to 19-year age group at 13.1 and declined in older age groups. The prevalence of atopy peaked in the 30- to 39-year age group at 85.5% and decreased in older age groups. The most common allergens were grasses, mountain cedar, and dust mites. Sensitization rates for many underreported allergens, including mouse and rat, are presented. This study shows that 81.6% of patients in a symptomatic military population were atopic. These rates are high, even when compared with other allergic populations. Atopy peaked in young adulthood and declined in older age groups. Grasses, mountain cedar, and dust mites were the most common allergens. Although performed in a military population, these results should be applicable to many allergy practices.

Keywords: Age; allergens; allergic rhinitis; military; natural history; prevalence; reactivity; retrospective; rhinitis; skin test

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2500/aap.2007.28.3016

Affiliations: 1: Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas

Publication date: 2007-07-01

More about this publication?

• Allergy and Asthma Proceedings is a peer reviewed publication dedicated to distributing timely scientific research regarding advancements in the knowledge and practice of allergy, asthma and immunology. Its primary readership consists of allergists and pulmonologists.
  
  The goal of the Proceedings is to publish articles with a predominantly clinical focus which directly impact quality of care for patients with allergic disease and asthma.
  
  Featured topics include asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, food allergies, allergic skin diseases, diagnostic techniques, allergens, and treatment modalities. Published material includes peer-reviewed original research, clinical trials and review articles.
  
  Articles marked "F" offer free full text for personal noncommercial use only.
  
  The journal is indexed in Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Science Citation Index Expanded, plus the National Library of Medicine's PubMed service.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Information for Advertisers
• Reprint Requests
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Allergy & Immunology
• By this author: Calabria, Christopher W. ;  Dice, John P. ;  Hagan, Larry L.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers