Starting in 2012 unusual results were observed when performing skin allergy testing. Around that time the state of NJ was affected by severe storms: Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Review of tests results from before and after these storms revealed unexpected results. A random, retrospective allergy charts review was done, obtaining 2 groups of 100 patients each. Group A with charts from patients tested before the hurricanes and Group B with charts form patients tested after the storms. The information was evaluated by a statistician with the Chi-square test. Reactivity and sensitization to inhalant allergens increased compared to patients before the hurricanes. The patient pool consulting for allergic conditions after the storms appeared to have more severe disease. All results were found to be statistically significant. Changes observed after the storms included more positive skin testing results, many positive results were obtained with weaker allergen concentration, there was an overall increased level of reactivity to many more allergens. The post-hurricane population was younger and included more patients with asthma or lower respiratory symptoms. These findings support the hypothesis that environmental changes resulting from hurricanes can be a health risk as reflected by increased allergic sensitization and symptom-severity after the hurricanes. These results have significant clinical implications for physicians treating patients from affected areas.
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