Perennial nonallergic rhinitis: a retrospective review.
Forty-six of 152 consecutive adult rhinitis patients had perennial nonallergic rhinitis (PNR). Eighty-five percent of those with PNR presented with nasal congestion, whereas 15% presented with rhinorrhea. Their mean age was 40.5 years (range = 21-77), and 74% were female. Patients with perennial nonallergic rhinitis in this series were characterized by ocular pruritus or burning, 28%; frontal headache, 22%; symptoms consistent with asthma, 33%; an unremarkable nasal mucosa, 96%; the absence of nasal polyps, 100%; nasal eosinophilia (greater than or equal to 5%), 10%; nasal neutrophilia (greater than or equal to 25%), 22%; numerous nasal bacteria, 12%; sinusitis, 6%; and a geometric mean IgE of 26.4 U/mL. This experience suggests that PNR is a common problem in a general allergy practice. Nasal obstruction, usually more difficult to treat than rhinorrhea, is the dominant symptom. Unexpected findings were frequent conjunctivitis and nasal neutrophilia.
Enberg
R N
RN
Department of Pediatrics, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan.
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D000939:Epitopes / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012882:Skin Tests
D000939:Epitopes; D007073:Immunoglobulin E