D2.382 - Clinical Manifestations of Dust Mite Allergy in Children Under 18 Years of Age

A wide but undiagnosed prevalance of respiratory allergies in devoloping countries has been a major factor for the suffering and lack of adequate and timely treatmen

This study was a Cross-sectional study in 100 patients by SPT in 18 months in an Institution to determine the clinical manifestations of dust mite allergy in children under 18 years of age and find out correlation between age group and gender with dust mite allergy  

General Profile: Mean age was 10.38 ± 4.50 years. Majority of children were in the age group 6 to 10 years (44%). 53% were males and 47% were females. Mean Weight was 34.28 ± 14.945 Kgs and Mean Height was 135.43 ± 23.41 cms. 50% had a positive family history Past history was significant in 3%

Clinical Features: onset was acute in 70% and Gradual in 30%.

Precipitating factors: In the Present study most, common Precipitating Factors was Dust Exposure (62%), Weather Changes (21%), Animal Dander (8%), Clothing (5%) and Foods (4%). 5% had Cats, 6% had Cats and Dog, 17% had Dog and 2% had Pigeon as pets in their houses. History was significant in 3%. 50% had Family History and 3% had similar history at neighborhoods. 3% had Dampness in neighborhoods.

Allergy to other substances: 7% had Allergy to Nuts, 6% had Allergy to Sweets, 5% had Allergy to Egg Containing Products and Eggs, 4% had Allergy to Milk Containing Products and Milk, 2% had Allergy to Homeopathic Medicines. Allergic to woolen clothes in 2% and Exposure to mattresses aggravates symptoms in 2%.

Type of Mite Aeroallergen:In present study 95% had Dermatophagoides pteronyssimus, 94% had Dermatophagoides farina and 91% had Bloomia tropicalis as aero allergens.

Treatment:In the Present study Allergy Treatment was Antihistaminic + Nasal Spray in 43%, Antihistaminic in 24%, Inhaler (Steroids) in 14%, Antihistaminic + Bronchodilators in 8%, Anti-Tussive in 6% and Moisturizer Cream 5%.Only 11% had ER visits

Progression and Variation:In the Present study 91% had progression of allergy, 9% had year arounda allergy. 35% had seasonal variation. 35% had More during early morning, 16% had More during night, 2% had more in  evening and 47.00% had Non-specific attacks.

Dust mite allergy is the most common allergy among children. Males are predominant and common age group6 to 10 years. Majority present with Upper respiratory tract symptoms. If treated adequately with Antihistaminic majority of them had reduction in symptoms. Dust mite allergy lead to progression in almost 91% of subjects and can lead to asthma and other allergies