Introduction

Allergic asthma is a heterogeneous condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Up to 80% of patients with bronchial asthma (BA) also have allergic rhinitis (AR), whose nasal inflammation can worsen asthma. Although 40–50% of people exhibit atopy, only some develop asthma, indicating additional triggers. Aeroallergens—such as pollens, molds, house dust mites, and pet dander—play a key pathogenic role, with patterns varying by region. Identifying sensitizing allergens is essential for diagnosing and managing asthma and allergic rhinitis. Skin prick testing, more sensitive and specific than serum IgE testing, should be guided by clinical history, exposures, occupation, and lifestyle factors.

Aim

This study aimed to identify the aeroallergens responsible for bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis using skin prick tests in patients attending a tertiary care center in central Rajasthan.

Method

Study Design

Treatment Strategy 

• Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of bronchial asthma and/or AR and who had not taken antihistaminics or steroids for a week were included in this study
• Diagnosis of BA and AR was done as per the GINA-2023 and ARIA guidelines
• The clinical history of the patients was recorded, and they underwent blood tests, chest radiography, X-ray of paranasal sinus and spirometry
• The skin prick test (SPT) was conducted using a standard allergen panel, comprising 48 different types of aeroallergens

Results

• Out of the total of 130 patients aged between 15-56 years, 57.7% were males.72.3% were between the ages of 20-39 years, 83.1% had a positive SPT, 27.7% were smokers, 50% had a positive family history of atopy
• The SPT positive patients had more severe symptoms than the SPT negative patients
• Autumn season was associated with more SPT positive patients 
• Proportion of patients with well controlled asthma was higher in the SPT positive group
• Patients diagnosed with BA were 44 (33.8%), AR were 31 (23.8%) and having both BA and AR were 55 (42.3%)
• The contribution of different aeroallergens is shown in Figure 1, with pollens being the most common aeroallergen

Figure 1. Results of SPTs showing aeroallergens positivity

Conclusion

• Pollens were the most common sensitizing aeroallergens, followed by insects, house dust mites, dust, and fungi in this study
• Identifying prevalent allergens is crucial for diagnosing and managing asthma and allergic rhinitis
• The findings support the significant role of skin prick tests in guiding allergen selection and immunotherapy in central Rajasthan

Indian J Allergy Asthma Immunol 2025;39(2):75‑81.