Peanut allergy among Mexican adults with allergic respiratory diseases: prevalence and clinical manifestations.

BACKGROUND

Peanut allergy among adults with respiratory diseases has seldom been studied within Mexico.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the prevalence of peanut allergy among adults that have been diagnosed with either asthma or allergic rhinitis; we will also be describing the symptoms that are associated with peanut allergy.

METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study through which we analyzed the corresponding data of 257 patients with allergic respiratory diseases, asthma or allergic rhinitis, all participants were 16 years of age or older, and were recruited in a consecutive manner. Peanut allergy was established by testing positive to a peanut skin-prick test; we also conducted a standard interview with each patient.

RESULTS

From our sample of 257 patients, 18 tested positive to peanut sensitization, (7.0%; 95% CI = 3.9% to 10.1%); among these 18 participants, 7 were considered to be allergic to peanuts (2.7%; 95% IC: 0.7% to 4.7%). Predominant symptoms were oral, primarily affecting the pharynx and the palate, followed by swelling of the lips. When it came to respiratory discomfort, sneezing and rhinorrhea stood out, and lastly there were cutaneous symptoms. We did not detect any systemic reactions to the peanut.

CONCLUSION

In our study, peanut allergy among adults with allergic respiratory diseases is not an uncommon occurrence.