Ravi Kumar Raju Mudunuri1, V. S. A. V. Ramana Rao2, M. A. N. Murty3, Jameel K. M4
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition, though not life threatening, causes significant morbidity in terms of quality of life. Confirmation of allergen as etiological agent is cumbersome. Hence need for a simple test is vital and eosinophil parameters were looked at to answer the quest. AIM: To find out the prevalence of eosinophilia in Allergic rhinitis. To assess the value of nasal cytogram as an alternative investigation in diagnosing allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS & METHODS: Prospective study of 200 cases divided into two groups of 100 each was done. One group clinically with allergic rhinitis and other without. All cases had clinical examination after history was taken, Blood Absolute eosinophil count, Nasal smear for eosinophils done and assessed. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients examined in two groups of 100 each, mean age of allergic rhinitis patients was 26.22 years. Allergic rhinitis was more common in males than females. Prevalence of nasal eosinophilia was 61%.and blood eosinophilia was 57% in allergic rhinitis patients. Nasal smear sensitivity was 61% and specificity was 87%. CONCLUSION: Nasal smear eosinophilia is a valid test, can be quickly and easily performed and read. Being an in-expensive test can be used to screen the patients of allergic rhinitis.
