Questionnaire evaluation and risk factor identification for nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis

Abstract

Background: Chronic rhinitis, a prevalent primary care disorder associated with significant comorbidities, is often incorrectly diagnosed. As a result, inappropriate treatment leads to higher health care costs and poor clinical outcomes.

Objective: To verify whether responses to specific questions may help in the diagnosis of nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis (NAVMR).

Methods: A questionnaire listing allergic and nonallergic triggers was blindly distributed to 100 random new patients with chronic rhinitis in an allergist's office. Questionnaire and physician diagnoses were compared. Allergic triggers included cat, dog, feathers, other furry animals, and symptoms during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Nonallergic triggers included temperature changes, diesel and car exhaust, tobacco smoke, perfumes and fragrances, incense, cleaning products, newsprint, hairspray, and alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, or eating.

Results: The construct validity and internal consistency indicated that the questionnaire was a good tool for diagnosing NAVMR. Multivariate analysis revealed that the absence of outdoor symptoms in the spring (odds ratio [OR], 7.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-51.22; P = .03), no parental history of allergy (OR, 5.16; 95% CI, 1.05-25.20; P = .04), no symptoms around cats (OR, 3.82; 95% CI, 0.59-24.83; P = .16), the presence of symptoms around perfumes and fragrances (OR, 4.875; 95% CI, 1.05-22.60; P = .04), and age at symptom onset (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.14; P = .008) were predictive of NAVMR.

Conclusions: Specific questionnaire responses may help primary care physicians accurately diagnose NAVMR. Questions asked of patients by physicians to diagnose allergic rhinitis do not correlate well with physician diagnosis.