Prevalence of asthma and severity of allergic rhinitis comparing 2 perennial allergens: house dust mites and Parietaria judaica pollen.

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an increasingly prevalent worldwide disease that has a considerable impact on quality of life and health care costs. Asthma and AR may be part of the same disease, with AR leading to an increased risk of asthma.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of asthma in patients with AR due to house dust mites (HDMs) or Parietaria judaica and analyze the characteristics of asthma and AR in each group.

Topical dexketoprofen as a cause of photocontact dermatitis.

We reported on the case of a patient who developed a cutaneous eruption in a photoexposed area 1 week after a continous topical treatment with dexketoprofen (Enangel). Photopatch tests were positive for dexketoprofen, ketoprofen and piketoprofen and patch test was positive for piketoprofen. Control photopatch testing with dexketoprofen in 15 healthy volunteers was negative.

[Application of immunotherapy in Catalonia (Spain)].

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the use of specific immunotherapy (SIT) in public and private hospitals in Catalonia (Spain) in the management of respiratory allergic diseases and opinions about this treatment through a questionnaire. SIT dosage schedules and the creation of immunotherapy units were also investigated.

Methods And Results: A questionnaire containing eight items was sent by post and/or electronic mail to the heads of allergy units in 24 public and private hospitals in Catalonia.