[Distribution of allergens among allergic rhinitis patients living in Mersin region].

Objectives: To determine the distribution of allergens among allergic rhinitis patients living in the Mersin region.

Patients And Methods: We investigated 346 allergic rhinitis patients (233 females, 113 males; mean age 32.3+/-14.1 years) who had symptoms and a positive prick test result.

Results: The history and clinical examination revealed that 161 patients (46.5%) had seasonal symptoms and 185 patients (53.5%) had perennial symptoms. Common pattern of multiple allergens were mite allergens (57.8%), grass mixture (32.1%), trees mixture (14.5%), cereals mixture (13.9%), weed mixture (7.2%), dog hair (5.5%), and cat fur (2.9%). According to the prick test results, sensitivity to one allergen was found in 96 patients (27.7%) and sensitivity to multiple allergens in 250 patients.

Conclusion: The most common allergens were mites and pollens in the Mersin region. It was concluded that the distribution of allergens was associated with the climatic, environmental and socioeconomic features of the region.