TY - JOUR T1 - The value of checking sensitisation status in adults with suspected sleep apnoea JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J DO - 10.1183/13993003.congress-2021.PA2499 VL - 58 IS - suppl 65 SP - PA2499 AU - Caroline Gouder AU - Stephen Montefort AU - Joan Bartra Y1 - 2021/09/05 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/58/suppl_65/PA2499.abstract N2 - Background: An association between obstructive sleep apnoea(OSA) and allergic rhinitis(AR), both common conditions with increasing prevalence worldwide, is frequently reported.Aim: To assess the acceptability, feasibility and usefulness of routinely performing allergy testing in patients with suspected OSA.Methodology: Consecutive adult patients referred to an adult sleep clinic over a 10-week period were included. The first visit included a medical history and 36-item Short Form Health Survey for all patients and RQLQ, total-4-nasal symptom score and VAS in patients with AR, physical examination and skin prick testing for common aeroallergens. Patients with uncontrolled AR were prescribed treatment. The sleep study report was reviewed.Results: Our cohort included 95 patients-34.7% were sensitised and diagnosed with AR. The most common perennial aeroallergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(86.1%) and farinae(75%) and seasonal aeroallergens, tree(19%) and grass pollen(19%). When comparing allergic and non-allergic groups, the former patients were younger(p=0.002), more likely female(p=0.06) and asthmatic(p=0.014), and suffered rhinorrhoea(p=0.02) or other rhino-conjunctivitis symptoms (p<0.001). Patients with AR were less likely to be diagnosed with OSA(60.6%) compared to those without(81.3%)(p=0.014). 54.2% of patients with a normal sleep study were diagnosed with AR compared to 30% of OSA patients(p=0.26).Conclusion: Skin prick testing is acceptable, safe and feasible, useful mainly in younger females, asthmatics and those with AR symptoms. Diagnosing AR in patients in whom symptoms may have been mistaken for OSA and in patients with co-existing OSA will improve morbidity and quality of life.FootnotesCite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA2499.This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only). ER -