Cockroach sensitivity in allergic rhinitis patients; is it significant? To see prevalence of cockroach sensitivity in allergic rhinitis patients in Kingston area

Method Retrospective chart review of patients evaluated for allergic rhinitis and underwent skin prick testing. A cohort of 250 patients was randomly selected with inclusion criteria being symptomatic allergic rhinitis and positive allergy skin prick testing to usual panel of allergens. Data collection included demographics, smoking exposure, symptom pattern, presence or absence of non-nasal symptoms, positive skin prick testing for cockroach and other environmental allergens such as dust mite, cat, dog, and seasonal pollens. Results Allergy to seasonal allergens was found to be the most common (n=191, 76.4%) followed by house dust mite (n=149, 59.6%) and cat allergen (n=118, 47.2%). Cockroach sensitization was found in 62 (25%). Among the cockroach sensitivity group, 8 patients had monosensitization to cockroach. All of them had perennial symptoms. 75%of these people were residents of urban areas. Two patients who had symptoms for more than 8 years had developed asthma.