Title:
Mapping the Major Aeroallergens Causing Allergic Rhinitis in Telangana State in India

Authors:
Salma Sultana, Shyam Gade and Kaiser Jamil*, India

Abstract:

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is one of the commonest allergic disorders. It is defined as the inflammatory disorder of the mucosal lining of the nose caused by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, feathers etc. AR leads to impaired quality of life and hinders social and professional life. In this study, we analysed the pattern of allergen sensitivity among the patients presenting with allergic rhinitis across Telangana.  India is a vast country with a wide variety of geographical landscapes; hence the pattern of allergen sensitivity may differ from place to place and with changing climatic conditions. Skin prick test and IgE are the gold standard and were used to diagnose the offending allergens that play a key role in the management of AR. Pollen, dust, insects, feathers are common causes of allergy worldwide, it was found that the prevalence and distribution of allergens varied with geographical variations and also with climate changes and pollution.

Our study analyzed 100 consecutive medical records of patients with allergic rhinitis, with a female predominance (63 females and 37 males). The mean age was 34.52 years (SD = 12.70). Notably, 62% of patients were in the age group of 20-40 years.

The majority of patients were from Hyderabad (53%) and Rangareddy (11%) districts, likely due to the hospital's location in Hyderabad. Pollen was the most common allergen, affecting 75 % of patients. Allergy to insects was also significant (72%) patients, with mosquitoes, moths, and cockroaches being the primary insect allergens. Other allergens included house dust mite, cotton dust, and house dust, with a few patients reacting to fruits (3%) and feathers (4%). Serum IgE levels of patients, showed a mean level of 241.10 IU/ml (SD = 173.49). IgE levels were slightly higher in males (Mean = 262.57 IU/ml, SD = 198.79) compared to females (Mean = 229.13 IU/ml, SD = 158.45). Pollen grains contain proteins and glycoproteins that act as allergens, triggering an immune response in sensitive individuals. These allergens stimulate the production of IgE antibodies, leading to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which cause the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2025.9109