Key nasal symptoms predicting a positive skin test in allergic rhinitis and patient characteristics according to ARIA classification

Abstract

Objective: To find predicting symptom(s) in patients with a positive skin test, and identify patient characteristics according to ARIA classification. Material and Method: Four hundred and thirty four rhinologic patients were retrospectively studied. Nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, itching, sneezing, and smell dysfunction were assessed. Patients were also classified according to the ARIA guideline. Results: of 434 patients, 277 (63.8%) were skin prick test positive. There was no statistical difference in sex, but the mean age of the positive skin test group was lower than that in the negative group (p < 0.05). Intermittent or persistent symptoms and total symptom score were not significantly different. Severe nasal itching was more common in the positive group (p = 0.04). The impact of symptoms was similar between the two groups, except for self-reported comorbidity, which was higher in the negative group (p = 0.039). Conclusion: There were no predicting symptoms and no difference in the symptom characteristics for the patients with positive skin test.