A study of clinical and allergic aspects of rhinitis patients in Riyadh

Eighty consecutive patients presenting with variable nasal symptoms were investigated. Fifty-three (66.25%) were identified as allergic and 27 (33.5%) as having nonallergic rhinitis. Medical history and clinical examination alone seemed to be inadequate in establishing a diagnosis, since the main complaints, i.e., nasal itching, sneezing and runny rose, occurred with the same frequency in both groups. However, alternating nasal blockage and sneezing were prominent in the allergic group (80.40%), while perennial symptoms were more evident in the nonallergic group (68%). There were no striking differences between the two groups in the occurrence of nasal septal deviation or in evidence of nasal polyps. In the allergic groups, sensitivities to indoor allergens, i.e., cockroaches, cat fur, house dust, as well as to pollens, were very prominent. Among the nonspecific provoking factors, dust, strong smells, smoke and stress seem to be important.