Grass Sensitisation and Allergic Rhinitis in Thai Patients

The Study of Allergens From Grass and Weed Which Are Causes of Allergic Rhinitis in Thai Patients

Allergic rhinitis patients are the patients who have nasal symptoms when triggered by indoor or outdoor allergens. Outdoor allergen can be divided into grass, tree, or weed. The type of grass or weed are different in various part of the world. The allergens from grass and weed has never been studied in Thailand. This study will find the major allergen from Bermuda grass, Johnson grass, Para grass, sedge, and ragweed, which are very common in Thailand. In addition, the investigators will study about the cross-reactivity among these group of allergen.

To find the major allergen of grass and weed, the serum of patients will be used to bind with the allergen extract by immunoblot study.

The ELISA-inhibition will be used to study about cross-reactivity among various kinds of grass and weed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Allergic rhinitis patients age 10-50 years old
• Control: healthy volunteer age 18-50 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic illness such as cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases
• History of anaphylaxis
• Pregnancy