DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2023.v11i08.013

Pages: 1462-1465

Introduction: Allergic Rhinitis is a symptomatic disorder of the nose induced after allergen exposure due to an IgE-mediated inflammation of membranes lining the nose. It is clinically defined as a symptomatic condition with four major symptoms as anterior or posterior rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal itching & nasal congestion. Objective: To study the association of absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and nasal symptoms using Nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale in allergic rhinitis. Methods: The study was conducted in a General Hospital, Rangamati, Bangladesh over a period of January to June 2021. Patients having symptoms of allergic rhinitis like sneezing, nasal pruritis, rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion, eye watering and itching, pharyngeal itching were included as a part of the study. A detailed clinical examination was performed, NOSE scale form was given to the patient and scoring was done according to the marks on each question, and AEC values were assessed. Results: Total 125 patients were studied. Groups were made according to AEC value and NOSE score. As per our study patients with higher AEC value have higher NOSE score. Conclusion: NOSE score evaluation is simple, economical, and non-invasive. Hence it may be used as an alternative for AEC value in clinical setup. Our study indicated that patients with a higher NOSE score with features of allergic rhinitis were having a higher AEC value. However we feel that it is not as accurate as absolute eosinophil count and nasal eosinophilia.