Distribution of atopic conditions among attendants to specialized allergy center/ Kirkuk/ Iraq

Abstract

Atopy is a syndrome characterized by genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. The risk factors of atopic diseases can be placed in two categories, namely host and environmental factors. The host factors of allergy include genetics, race, gender, age… etc. The environmental factors include exposure to environmental pollution and allergens. To define the distribution of atopic conditions (asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis) according to age, residence and available skin prick test. This cross-sectional study included (100) patients, representing research sample. It was conducted in specialized allergy center in Kirkuk city during the period from first January .2016 to the end of December 2016 All patients included in this study were referred from primary health centers, complaining from signs and symptoms of atopic diseases. Depending on medical history and clinical examinations, the sample was classified into (3) groups (asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis). Skin prick test was used to identify patients allergy to house dust mite and pollen. Regarding the distribution of samples according to residence, most patients (about 91%) were from urban areas compared with (9%) of them were from rural areas. Also, it was found that the frequency of atopic diseases decreases by age advancement. The frequency distribution of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis was 49%, 26% and 25%, respectively. The skin test data revealed the frequency of 2 aeroallergen mite and pollen in all patients under study. .Hence, 65% were sensitive to house dust mite, 26% to pollen and 9% to both mite and polle In conclusion this study confirmed that most patients complaining from atopic disease were from urban area. Also, the frequency of atopic diseases decreased by age advancement. The most common atopic disease was asthma followed by allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Most patients were sensitive to house dust mite.