Prevalence of Allergy in Patients with Primary Dysphonia

Objective The purpose of this investigation is to examine the prevalence of allergy in patients with primary dysphonia. Methods The medical records of patients diagnosed with primary dysphonia and who underwent allergy testing during the period extending from June 2018–2020 were reviewed. Patients’ demographics, laryngoscopic findings and allergy skin prick testing were analyzed. Results A total of 22 patients were included. Eleven out of twenty-two patients (50%) tested positive to at least 2 allergens, and eight (36%) tested positive for at least 3 allergens. The most common allergens tested positive were D. Farinae for household inhalants, followed by Chenopodium, Russian thistle and weed mix for weeds. In patients with a positive allergy testing, the most common laryngeal findings included edema in 36%, followed by excess mucus and MTD in 18% of cases each. Conclusion Allergy is common in patients presenting with primary dysphonia and non-specific laryngeal findings. Allergy testing should be part of the diagnostic work-up of affected patients.