The Development of Allergic Rhinitis in Children Previously Diagnosed as Nonallergic Rhinitis

The Development of Allergic Rhinitis in Children Previously Diagnosed as Nonallergic Rhinitis

The purpose of this study is to evaluate development of allergic rhinitis in children with nonallergic rhinitis.

Rhinitis is a common condition associated with significant effects on quality of life. Rhinitis may be divided into two groups, those with concurrent allergy (allergic rhinitis, AR) and those without allergy but who still suffer from nasal symptoms (nonallergic rhinitis, NAR).

Evidence indicated that adult with NAR can have de novo sensitization to aeroallergen (24%), suggesting that patients with NAR might evolve to AR. Thus the purpose of this study is to evaluate development of allergic rhinitis in children with nonallergic rhinitis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children between the age of 1 year and 15 years with the diagnosis of nonallergic rhinitis who are attending the pediatric allergy clinic during Jan 2005 - Dec 2007.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have allergic rhinitis and underlying disease eg.chronic renal disease, liver disease, heart disease, cancer.