Local Allergic Rhinitis in Adult Patients with Chronic Nasal Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) remains an underdiagnosed condition characterized by the local production of IgE antibodies during the natural exposure to aeroallergens. The prevalence of LAR in adult patients with a previous diagnosis of non-AR was assessed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients with perennial nasal allergy symptoms but a negative skin prick test and specific IgE antibodies against common inhalant allergens were included in the study. Nasal provocation tests were performed with the inhalant allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Alternaria, and cat allergen, followed by the detection of nasal-specific IgE antibodies in the lavage during the challenge.

RESULTS: LAR was confirmed in 21 (25%) study patients. In the remaining 63 (75%) patients, non-AR was diagnosed. In addition, LAR was found following exposure to D. pteronyssinus in 19 (22.6%) patients, Alternaria in 3 (3.6%) patients, and the cat allergen in 1 (1.2%) patient. In 2 patients, concomitant allergies to D. pteronyssinus and Alternaria were observed.

CONCLUSION: LAR can be a form of chronic perennial rhinitis that has previously been considered to be non-AR.