Clinical Aspects of Alternaria alternata Sensitization in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Objectives:Atopic sensitization to the mold Alternaria alternata (AA) has been associated with rhinitis and asthma. Fungal allergen exposure is associated with the development and severity of asthma in sensitized individuals. The contribution of indoor fungal allergen exposure to allergic diseases is still not completely clear. We explore the association of AA sensitization to other allergic diseases and study the influence on rhinoconjunctivitis symptom severity.Methods:2207 patients who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis were enrolled in our study. After a skin allergy test, those with sensitivity to AA were placed in group A, and those sensitive to other allergens were placed in Group B. We evaluated the prevalence of other allergic disease and symptom severity using TNSS score.Results:Group A had 73 patients (6.4%), and Group B had 1053 patients. Group A had 8 patients with asthma (10.9%), 9 with atophy (12.3%), 6 with allergic conjunctivitis (8.2%), and 11 with sinusitis (15%) Group B had children under 14 years of age (35 patients), 7 with asthma (20%), 3 with allergic conjunctivitis (8.5%), 5 with sinusitis (14.2%), and 4 with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis (11.4%). In group A, TNSS score was higher than Group B, and it was statistically significant.Conclusions:Patients with allergic rhinitis may have other atopic conditions such as asthma or atopic dermatitis. Group B and those over 14 had a higher prevalence of other allergic disease. In group A, allergic rhinitis symptoms were severe. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy with standardized A. alternata extract will reduce symptoms of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis.