Perennial rhinitis in Saudi Arabia. A prospective study.

ABSTRACT

One hundred consecutive patients with perennial rhinitis were examined clinically and by means of a test battery of laboratory investigations in order to clarify the pathogenesis of the disease, and the clinical value of various tests in the assessment of the patients. In 54% of the cases allergy was proven. The most common allergen was Bermuda grass which is found widely distributed in the Eastern Province. In 46% of the cases, allergy could not be demonstrated. Twelve percent had eosinophilic rhinitis. In this study, investigations of blood eosinophils and IgE were found to be of value in the assessment of patients with perennial rhinitis. The possible connection between pollen allergy and perennial rhinitis in Saudi Arabia is discussed.