Prediction of atopy by skin prick tests in patients with asthma and/or persistent rhinitis

Introduction

Introduction Skin prick test (SPT) is standard for diagnosis of atopy and identifying the sensitisation to specific allergens. In clinical allergy practice, diagnostic management is made by performing SPT, which is a simple and safe procedure.¹ However, in general practice, SPT is not used very commonly and allergy diagnosis is usually made by doctors’ opinion. One of the reasons for not integrating SPT into general practice is its cost. Another reason is the need for training and time for performing and interpreting the results of SPT. Although patient history gives important clues about the likelihood of atopy, the accuracy of an assessment of atopy based on detailed allergy history is low.² There is no standard validated questionnaire for identifying atopic status. Detailed allergy history, including age, gender, age at onset of disease, duration of disease, exacerbating factors, seasonality of symptoms, symptom differences at indoors and outdoors, pet ownership, family history of allergic disease, smoking status, etc. can help to predict patients’ allergic status. Successful prediction is important to distinguish allergic and non-allergic disease correctly and to take the right decisions for the treatment, including allergen avoidance. The aim of this survey was to determine the successful prediction rate of atopy in patients having bronchial asthma (BA) and/or persistent rhinitis (PR) symptoms by a questionnaire based on detailed history and the effect of various factors on the successful prediction. Materials and methods Patients and questionnaire We identified adult patients (16–79 years of age) admitted to our Adult Allergy Unit for the first time with symptoms of...