BACKGROUNDAsthma is an important health problem worldwide. High prevalence and poor control of asthma make its management a major public health problem with more than 5,00,000 hospital admissions and 2,50,000 deaths annually all over the world. India contribute maximum to the death toll accounting for 22.3% of all global asthma deaths. Medications in the inhaled forms are the best therapeutic options currently available for asthma. Despite this, the percentage of patients opting inhalers as the preferred modality of treatment seems to be low. The patient's ability to use the device correctly and the adherence to the treatment regimen are likely to be influenced by their beliefs, attitudes and concerns about the use of inhalers as the preferred mode of treatment. The aim of the study is to-1. To find out the proportion of asthmatics using inhalers as the preferred modality of treatment. 2. To bring out the various beliefs and misconceptions on inhalers among the above study group.

BACKGROUND Skin allergy in the form of urticaria is commonly encountered. Food allergy is one of the common aetiologies responsible for this clinical situation. Identifying the offending allergens and avoidance is one of the most important measures which may help in the management of skin allergy. Skin prick test is one of the most reliable and safe method of identifying food allergens. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted to identify the skin sensitivity to various food allergens in patients with chronic urticaria and to study the regional pattern of food allergy in Kerala. 100 atopic patients with complaints of chronic urticaria were selected for the study. Skin prick allergy testing with 30 food allergens were performed in the above patients by skin prick test method. RESULTS 98% of patients with chronic urticaria had some form of food allergy. Common offending food allergens were wheat (28%), garlic (22%), ground nut (20%), cashew nut (18%), prawns (17%), ginger (16%), peas (12%) and black pepper (10%). CONCLUSION Food allergy is common in chronic urticaria. Skin prick test is a reliable and safe method to identify food allergens. Most common offending food allergens were wheat, garlic, ground nut, cashew nut, prawns, ginger, peas and black pepper.

BACKGROUND Drug allergy is a commonly encountered clinical problem accounting to significant morbidity and mortality. Identifying the offending drugs and avoidance is essential to avert serious consequences. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis study was conducted to identify the skin sensitivity to various drugs in patients with history of drug allergy and to study the regional pattern of drug allergy in Kerala. 200 patients with history of allergy to at least one drug in the past were selected for the study. Allergy testing with 44 common drugs was performed in the above patients by skin prick test (SPT) method. RESULTSMost common offending drugs identified were ranitidine, quinolones, ondansetron, piroxicam, scoline, cephalosporins, paracetamol, atracurium, diclofenac and diazepam in the descending order of frequency. CONCLUSIONSkin prick testing is an efficient and safe method to identify drug allergy. Most patients with drug allergy are allergic to multiple drugs.

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