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Rhinitis symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome
J N Baraniuk1, D J Clauw, E Gaumond
1Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007-2197, USA.
Summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients frequently experience rhinitis symptoms, with a significant portion having nonallergic rhinitis. This suggests potential insights into CFS pathogenesis beyond allergies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Atopy and allergic rhinitis are hypothesized to be more prevalent in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
- Investigating the link between allergic conditions and CFS is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of atopy and allergic rhinitis in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
- To differentiate between allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in the CFS population.
Main Methods:
- 51 CFS patients, 34 normal controls, 27 allergic rhinitis patients, and 17 rheumatologic disease patients completed symptom questionnaires.
- All participants underwent allergy skin testing and were categorized based on results.
- Airway and systemic complaint frequencies were assessed.
Main Results:
- Allergy skin tests were positive in 35% of CFS patients, not significantly different from normal controls.
- Significant rhinitis complaints were reported by 83% of skin-test-positive CFS and 76% of skin-test-negative CFS patients.
- Systemic Complaint scores were significantly higher in both skin-test-positive and negative CFS groups compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- In this CFS cohort, 24% had no significant rhinitis, 30% had positive skin tests indicating potential allergic rhinitis, and 46% had nonallergic rhinitis.
- The presence of nonallergic rhinitis in CFS patients may offer insights into the underlying pathogenesis of CFS.
- Systemic complaints are significantly elevated in CFS patients, regardless of allergy skin test results.