Comparison between allergic and non-allergic rhinitis patients as regards clinical and allergic aspects in Riyadh

Hundred patients with nasal symptoms of sneezing runny nose nasal itching and nasal blockage were investigated. The patients were divided using skin prick test into two groups i.e. allergic group and non-allergic group according to negative or positive skin reactions to a list of variable allergens. Medical history and clinical examination alone seemed to be inadequate in differentiating the two groups, although alternating nasal blockage and sneezing were more prominent in the allergic group. In the allergic group, sensitivities to indoor allergens, i.e. house dust mixture, cat, cockroaches as well as pollens of some grasses weeds and trees, were very important. Among the non-specific precipitating factors, dust, smokes, strong smells and stress seem to be important