Local allergic rhinitis in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is characterized by the production of specific IgE in the nasal mucosa and a positive response to a nasal provocation test in the absence of atopy by conventional measurements. There is no information about LAR in elderly people, just as there is little information about allergic rhinitis (AR) in this age group.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of LAR, AR, and non-AR in elderly patients with rhinitis.

METHODS

In 219 patients with a mean (SD) age of 65.81 (5.88), skin prick tests, serum total specific IgE, and nasal provocation tests against common aeroallergens were performed. In addition, nasal specific IgE was measured in the nasal lavage at baseline and after provocation. For monitoring nasal symptoms, a visual analog scale was used.

RESULTS

Of the 219 patients, 46 (21.0%) had LAR, 88 (40.2%) had AR, and 85 (38.8%) were diagnosed as having non-AR. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the main sensitizing aeroallergen in patients with LAR (29 patients [63.0%]) and with AR (48 patients [56.4%]). No significant differences were found between the visual analog scale score and the type of AR (local or nonlocal) and the types of allergens. Clinical responses during the nasal provocation test were associated with significant increases in nasal IgE (Spearman correlation test, R = 0.89, P < .05). Polysensitization was more predominant in patients with AR than in those with LAR (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that LAR and AR are common in elderly patients. However, in this age group, these conditions are often underdiagnosed.