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JACI Highlights - May 2009Evolution of non-allergic rhinitis supports conversion to allergic rhinitisIt is estimated that 23% to 70% of the adult population suffers from the runny, itching nose and sneezing of non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). Once patients are diagnosed with NAR, they are usually followed by general practitioners rather than allergists. In the present study, published in the May 2009 issue of The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Rondón et al. examined a sample of patients with NAR to evaluate the severity of their rhinitis, accompanying disorders and possible new allergen sensitizations over time. One hundred and eighty patients who had been diagnosed with NAR during 2000-2004 were re-evaluated in 2007 with questionnaires, breathing tests and tests of allergen skin prick and levels of new antibodies to common aeroallergens. The authors found that 52% of the patients studied showed worsening rhinitis and airway disease. Patients reported an increase in rhinitis persistence and severity that impacted their quality of life. New accompanying medical conditions were also experienced, including asthma, conjunctivits, chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps and aspirin hypersensitivity. Twenty-four percent of these patients had become sensitized to aeroallergens. This study shows that adults diagnosed with NAR may develop new accompanying health conditions over time and eventually develop an allergic-type rhinitis. Therefore, they should be re-evaluated periodically to ensure that they are receiving the proper treatment for their disease. “Evolution of Patients with Non-Allergic Rhinitis Supports Conversion to Allergic Rhinitis” by Rondón et al. (JACI May 2009 Volume 123 No. 5) |
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