232 Epidemiology of Allergic Rhinitis Cases in the Allergy Service of a Third Level Medical Center. Six Year Experience

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to report the cases of Allergic Rhinitis (AR) in the Allergy service from a Third level medical centre since its creation in July 2005. METHODS: This is a descriptive, retrospective, transversal study from July 2005 to February 2011. Selected medical records of patients apply for diagnostic criteria for an allergy disease were made. ARIA guide 2009 was used to make diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Patients were classified by age and sex and find out how many skin prick test were made in such patients, and how many patients began immunotherapy. RESULTS: 13737 consultations were attended in the Allergy service between the period mentioned above. 2337 medical records of patients were selected, 1608 patients applied for a specific diagnosis for an allergy diseases as follows: Asthma 411, Atopic conjuctivitis 58, Atopic Dermatitis 180, Allergic Rhinitis 869, Urticaria 90. 869 patients completed criteria for Allergic Rhinitis. 433 (49.9%) patients were female, 436 (50.1%) patients were male. 490 (56.3%) patients were found to be in the range of 0 to 14 years. The mayority of allergic rhinitis patients were males in the range of 5 to 14 years, with 270 (42.5%) patients. There were an increase of AR cases in females in the range of 20 to 40 years, with 171 (39.4%) of total female cases. In 408 (47%) patients skin prick test were made, in 305 (35%) patients were positive and began treatment with immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, AR represents the most frequent allergy disease among children, a good diagnosis of AR is mandatory because of the confusion of symptoms mainly related with upper respiratory tract infections, that implies a different management, increasing the risk of complications, such as asthma and therefore the cost of treatment, including immunotherapy. The results of this study are helpful to improve specialized medical attention not only in paediatric patients but also in adults.