Allergic rhinitis, asthma an anaphylaxis as well as sinopulmonary infections may result from inhalant allergens.  Allergen immunotherapy is established as effective treatment for patients with IgE-mediated reactions to hymenoptera, allergic rhinitis and allergic bronchial asthma.

Epidemiology

• Incidence - increasing incidence of both atopic and asthma disease over the last 4-5 decades

Risk Factors

• Genetics - family member with disease increases the risk
• Airborne irritants - smoking, pollution, pollen

Clinical Presentation

• Sinus disease
  • Tender and swollen sinuses
  • Pressure in sinus area
  • Frontal headaches
  • Nasal obstruction and discharge
  • Post-nasal drip, rhinitis
• General malaise
• Asthma symptoms
  • Wheeze
  • Cough
  • Dyspnea
• Atopic dermatitis
  • Papular lesions on flexural surfaces

Diagnosis

• Identification of specific allergens may allow for immunotherapy
• A balanced mixture of allergens most commonly associated with inhalant allergies are provided in the screening test.
  • Alternaria alternata
  • Bermuda grass
  • Cat epithelium and dander
  • Common ragweed
  • Dermatophagoides farinae
  • Dog dander
  • Elm tree
  • Kentucky bluegrass
  • Oak tree
  • Penicillium notatum
  • Russian thistle