Abstract

Aim: Atopy is a tendency for exaggerated IgE antibody respanses to comman allergens and most important risk factor for the development of allergic diseases. In this study, we aim to deseribe the prevalence of sensitization to comman allergens and find out the relation of atopy with asthma, rhinitis, eczema and chronic urticaria in İzmir and araund the city. Methods: In this study we evaluated the 5055 epidermal skin prick test results of the patients who applied to outpatient Department of Allergy at Dokuz Eylül University Hospital between October 1994 and July 2001 retrospectively. Results: Patients were aged between 3.5 months and 79 years (mean 14.1±3.2 years and median ll years). In epidermal skin prick tests sensitization to house dust mites (D. farinae, D. pteroniyssinus), pollens (grass, cereals and trees), moulds, animal danders, foods (especially in early childhood) and cockroach were evaluated. Conclusion: Our data indicate that allergens that may be the cause of the high prevalence of allergic diseases in İzmir and araund are probably produced by pollens and house dust mites.