[Radiological findings in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis]

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Otolaryngology
• Radiology

Background:

• Rhinitis is characterized by nasal obstruction, sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
• Allergic rhinitis is a common condition affecting a significant portion of the population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between structural alterations in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.
• To determine the prevalence of comorbidities such as atopy, asthma, nasal polyposis, and sinusitis in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 69 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis was studied.
• Axial computerized tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses was used for diagnosis.
• Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, was employed to assess associations.

Main Results:

• Perennial allergic rhinitis patients frequently presented with comorbidities like atopy (50.7%), asthma (47.8%), nasal polyposis (27.5%), and sinusitis (44.9%).
• Structural alterations including turbinate hypertrophy (53.5%) and septal deviation (33.3%) were common.
• A statistically significant association (p = 0.001) was found between structural alterations and sinusitis, indicating a close relationship with allergic rhinitis.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for effectively handling allergic rhinitis and associated sinonasal conditions.
• Computerized tomography is a valuable tool for diagnosing structural abnormalities and sinusitis in these patients.