In the present study, we propose objective diagnostic criteria for dry nose (DN) and investigate its characteristics. Questionnaires were completed by each participant during recruitment to record demographic data. DN test strips were used to evaluate the severity of DN at five time points and allergic status was assessed based on serum sIgE levels. Nasal secretions were collected and vasomotor rhinitis was diagnosed using the cold dry air test. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR) was based on the criteria of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma consensus statement. Data are expressed as median and interquartile range, unless otherwise specified. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The reference range (RR) of the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles were determined for each test strip length at each time point. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of and propose objective diagnostic criteria for DN.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of dry nose patients.

Exclusion Criteria:

• chronic rhinosinusitis and/or nasal polyposis, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, immunological disease, tumor patients, pregnant women.

Overall, 20 patients (13 men and seven women) with dry nose and 100 controls (47 men and 53 women) were recruited for the study. The ages of the participants ranged from 23 to 73 years (mean = 47.7 years).