Representative Nasal Endoscopic Findings Suggestive of Allergic Rhinitis and Their Influencing Factors

Nasal endoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool for allergic rhinitis (AR); however, endoscopic findings vary from person to person. This study aimed to identify definitive nasal endoscopic findings suggestive of AR and to explore factors influencing these findings.

Data were obtained from the 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), which included 8,958 participants. Of these, 7,636 who completed nasal endoscopic examinations were enrolled. AR was defined as a positive diagnosis if any Immunoradiometric Assay (ImmunoCAP) result was level 1+ or higher. Demographic characteristics, blood test results, and comorbid diseases, including ENT evaluation, were investigated. The prevalence estimates of AR and nasal endoscopic findings were calculated using a complex sampling design. Factors influencing these findings were identified using complex-sample logistic regression analysis.

The weighted prevalence of AR was 13.6%. Nasal endoscopic findings suggestive of AR included watery secretion (WS) and mucoid discharge (MD), with prevalences of 22.2% and 9.6%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, age, nasal septal deviation, and sensitization to dog allergens were associated with WS. MD was associated only with nasal septal deviation. The correlation between AR symptoms and WS was stronger compared to MD. In a subgroup analysis of WS, higher levels of sensitization to dog allergens were associated with increased WS findings.

WS and MD are representative endoscopic findings in AR. Nasal septal deviation impacts the mucosal environment, causing nasal secretion and altering discharge characteristics. WS is correlated with dog allergen sensitization, and its prevalence is influenced by the level of dog allergen sensitization.