[Asociación entre rinitis alérgica e hiposmia]

To determine the association between AR and the frequency of hyposmia.

Cross-sectional, case-control, non-probabilistic census survey in subjects between 14 and 50 years of age. AR was identified by clinical symptoms and positive skin tests. Olfactory function was assessed with the Sniffin Sticks Screening Test. This research was approved by the Ethics and Research Committees of the ISSSTE Regional Hospital "Dr. Valentín Gómez Farías": ZAPOPAN ISSSTE/CEI/488/2020.

A total of 147 patients were included, 62 with AR and 85 controls. The average age was 33 years (35 years in AR and 31 years in controls). As a measure of association, the prevalence ratio was calculated, estimating that those with AR have 2.2 times more risk of having hyposmia than controls. Likewise, between them there was a calculated discrepancy of 12.5509 (expected discrepancy 3.84), and a statistical significance of 0.00039 (p=0.00039).

AR represents a chronic systemic inflammatory process that leads to hyposmia. Its correlation has been reported from 23 to 48%.1 Likewise, it is important to consider the role that olfaction plays in recognizing and interacting with our environment, and consequently the impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it. AR significantly increases the risk for suffering hyposmia.