Causative Antigens and Laryngeal Findings of Perennial Laryngeal Allergy

Abstract

The clinical symptoms of laryngeal allergy are persistent cough, itching and irritation of the throat. We endeavored to shed light on features of antigens and laryngeal findings of laryngeal allergy. A clinical study focusing on the diagnosis of laryngeal allergy was carried out on 32 patients exhibiting a persistent cough, itching and irritation of the throat. The diagnosis of laryngeal allergy was confirmed by the effectiveness on H1-blockers along with the presence of specific IgE antibodies by RAST testing. Laryngeal allergy was diagnosed according to the criteria proposed by the Society of Study for Laryngeal Allergy in Japan (2005).
Eighteen of the 32 patients were diagnosed as having laryngeal allergy. A major positive perennial antigen in laryngeal allergy is house dust mite. In comparison to nasal allergy, moth and cockroach antigens has a higher positive frequency with laryngeal allergy.
The sensitivity and specificity of nasopharyngeal smears for laryngeal allergy were 67% and 79%, respectively. H1-blocker was significantly effective with positive nasopharyngeal smears.
There were no typical laryngeal features in laryngeal allergy cases but patients with a higher effect of antihistamines exhibited pale laryngeal mucosa.