Medical literature has reported on the increase in the prevalence of nose diseases, and allergic rhinitis still leads the statistics. The skin test is important in the differential diagnosis of nose diseases and to determine the sensitivity pattern of the population in order to establish measures to reduce exposure. This is fundamental for adequate handling allergic rhinitis. STUDY DESIGN: Transversal cohorte. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In order to determine the frequency of positive skin tests for specific airborne allergic agents, we assessed medical records of 398 patients with nasal symptoms suggestive of allergy or other otolaryngologic complaints which required skin testing to aid in the diagnosis. RESULTS: The most frequently found allergic agents were house dust (74,9%), dermatophagoides farinae (58,4%) and mold (36,5%), followed by dog hair (32,7%), grass (22,4%), cat hair (16,9%), feathers (16,4%) and wool (15,6%). Only 3,5% were positive for lovebird feathers and 1,5% for flowers. 39 patients (9,8%) had negative skin tests, 10 (2,5%) had reactions to the solution extract and 8 (2%) did not react to histamine. We did not have complications in performing the test. CONCLUSION: House dust was the most frequently found allergic agent. Skin tests must be performed based on the clinical history, and their results may guide us towards the correct diagnosis and treatment of nose diseases.
allergic rhinitis; allergy; epidemiology; frequency; skin test
