Monosensitization and polysensitization in allergic rhinitis

BackgroundPolysensitization is common in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and may affect clinical feature. However, there are patients who remain monosensitized.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating a large cohort of AR patients to define the percentage and the features of mono- and poly-sensitized subjects.MethodsThis observational cross-sectional study included a large group of AR patients: 2415 subjects (1958 males, mean age 24.6 ± 5 years) were consecutively evaluated. Symptom severity, type and number of sensitizations, and AR duration were considered.Results621 patients (25.7%) were monosensitized: 377 to Parietaria, 194 to house dust mites, 19 to birch, 17 to grasses, 12 to molds, 2 to olive, and 1 to cypress. There was no difference between mono- and polysensitized patients concerning the duration of rhinitis (6 ± 2.14 years vs 6 ± 3.7).Severity of symptoms was higher in polysensitized patients than in monosensitized (p < 0.05); in addition, there was a difference among monosensitized patients: Parietaria-allergy induces the most severe symptoms.ConclusionThis study conducted in a large AR population might suggest that monosensitized and polysensitized AR patients could constitute two different categories. In addition, the specific type of allergy may condition the clinical feature.