Clinical presentation of chronic non-infectious rhinitis in children.
Chronic rhinitis is one of the commonest conditions affecting humans and there is evidence that its prevalence (and especially that of allergic rhinitis) is increasing. Although common, it is poorly recognised by doctors, parents and patients, particularly in children.


OBJECTIVE
This study surveyed children with chronic non-infectious rhinitis to describe their presenting symptoms, differences in presentation between preschool and school-aged children and the prevalence of complications.


METHODS
We prospectively surveyed patients with a diagnosis of chronic rhinitis that was subsequently confirmed by response to therapy. Symptoms of rhinitis were assessed via an interview-conducted questionnaire.


RESULTS
567 children (357 boys), with a mean age (+/-SD) of 5.3 +/- 3.6 years, were studied over 14 months. Three hundred and fourteen were preschool children. Symptoms of a blocked or a runny nose were reported in 85% of patients, both symptoms occurring simultaneously in 59.9%. A blocked nose occurred more frequently in school-aged children, while a runny nose was commoner in preschool children. Sneeze and itch occurred less frequently in 56.1% and 33.6%, respectively. Complicating recurrent ear infections were reported in 46.9% of patients, more frequently in preschool children (P = 0.01); almost one-third (32.02%) had had grommets inserted. Learning problems, possibly secondary to somnolence as a result of poor sleep induced by sleep apnoea (snoring was reported in 58.4%), were reported in 24.1% of school-going children.


CONCLUSIONS
As chronic rhinitis in South Africa commonly manifests with a blocked nose, patients display a high prevalence of associated complications. Doctors need to be aware of the presenting symptoms to diagnose and treat chronic non-infectious rhinitis earlier to prevent these complications.
Green
R J
RJ
Sunninghill Clinic, Johannesburg.
Luyt
D K
DK
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012912:Sneezing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires