Vol.100 No.12 contentsPRACTICA OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGICA
Vol. 100 No. 12 December 2007
A Study of Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis
-Investigation of the Number of Cytological Examinations-
Takashi Hiramatsu
(Hiramatsu ENT clinic)
Clinical features and diagnosis of pediatric allergic rhinitis need to be clarified. In our clinic, children suspected of having allergic rhinitis often undergo cytological examination of nasal smear (CENS) because the detection of eosinophils in nasal smear has a significant diagnostic value for allergic rhinitis in children, especially infants. To clarify the features of pediatric allergic rhinitis, the number of CENS conducted at our clinic during 2005 was investigated.
1. When a microscope was skillfully used for observation of nasal cavity, the positive quantification of eosinophilia in nasal smears from children was compared with that from adults.
2. The total number of CENS conducted for patients aged between one and 10 years old was higher than that of patients aged above 14 years old.
3. Two peaks were found in the monthly numbers of CENS and they corresponded to the two turning points of atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature each year. Moreover the main peak for infants appeared around November, while that of adults peaked around March.
These findings suggest that particular managements may be necessary for pediatric allergic rhinitis, differing from those for adults.
Key words : pediatric allergic rhinitis, number of cytological examinations, nasal smear