[Sensitization to inhaled allergens in the Vienna population].
The present study investigated the sensitization to inhalatory allergens in a randomized cross-section of the population of Vienna (altogether 3000 men and women). A representative sample of 600 persons was invited to an examination consisting of a skin prick test and determination of serum total IgE and allergen-specific IgE. In addition, the same tests were performed in persons with asthma or allergic rhinitis on the basis of a history of these conditions in the replies to a screening questionnaire. Our results showed comparatively high sensitization rates to grass pollen (28%), house dust mite (25%) and cat dander (20%) in the randomized group A. In the symptom-free "healthy" subgroup of the randomized population sample (Group B) there were remarkably high sensitization rates to house dust mite (21%), grass pollen (17%) and cat dander (12%). For the group with allergic rhinitis (Group D) sensitization to grass pollen exceeded 60%, followed by cat dander (44%), birch pollen (36%) and house dust mite (35%). In the asthmatic persons (Group C) the leading allergens were cat dander (40%) and the house dust mite (37%), followed by grass pollen (33%) and birch pollen (20%). Regarding the overall sensitization to inhalatory allergens 61% of the asthmatic group showed a positive prick test. Increased serum levels of total IgE or specific IgE were found in 76% of cases, which underlines the allergic origin of this disease. In the randomized group 51% were sensitized to inhalatory allergens, whilst 39% were subclinically sensitized without ever having had any allergic complaints.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Schütz-Kiss
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Abteilung für Atmungs- und Lungenkrankheiten, Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien-Lainz, Wien.
Popp
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Wagner
C
C
Reiser
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K
Havelec
L
L
Zwick
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H
D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001317:Austria / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D015994:Incidence; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D008297:Male; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012494:Sampling Studies; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D007073:Immunoglobulin E