Epidemiological characterization of patients with persistent allergic rhinitis.

88 patients (Enrique Tejera Hospital City, Valencia, Venezuela). Diagnostic: persistent allergic rhinitis.

61.36% female. 48.18% were under 15 years of age, 25%: no previous history of diseases of allergic etiology. 31.81%: history of the following previous allergic illnesses: drug allergies (30.6%), food allergies (23.8%), insect-bite allergies (20.45) and hives or angioedema (20.45%). 29.54% of the patients did not present any concomitant allergic episode. 30.09%: bronchial asthma. This percentage increased to 42.59% when PAR was associated with bronchial asthma and a third illness (atopic dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema). 35.22% had no familial history of allergies. The most frequent illnesses reported by those with a family history of allergic processes included bronchial asthma (48.86%) and rhinitis (36.36%). The most frequent triggering agents were: dust (76.13), being exposed to stored objects (68.18%), strong odors (59.09%), cold temperature (51.13%), dog or cat dander (38.63%), environmental pollutants (34.09%). Allergy tests: positive to: house dust (90.9%), dog dander (25%), cat dander (27.27%), D. farinae (70.45%), D. pteronisinus (45.45%), fungi (27.27%), house-dust mite (15.90%). No relationship was found between the reported triggering agent and the positive allergen found in the skin tests. 51.28% had nasal eosinophils and 74.35% presented eosinophilia. 97.18% had IgE serum levels above normal values and 51.13% did not attend successive follow-ups. 79.06% attending follow-up visits improved with treatment.

Bronchial Asthma is frequently associated with rhinitis. The most frequent triggering agents reported were house dust.