Journal of Islamic International Medical College (Dec 2021)
Serum IgE Levels and Total Eosinophil Count in Allergic Rhinitis
Abstract
Objective: To determine the significance of Serum IgE Level and Total Eosinophil Count in establishing diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis. Study Design: A descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: ENT Department Islamabad Medical Complex, from December 2016 to December 2018. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 patients diagnosed clinically as 'Allergic Rhinitis', were selected by convenient sampling. Clinical diagnosis was made on the basis of history and complete ENT examination and findings recorded. Detailed history for intermittent or persistent symptoms of nasal congestion, watery rhinorrhea, nasal itching with sneezing and ocular symptoms as paroxysmal redness, itching and watering of eyes was taken. Detailed physical examination including complete ENT examination carried out and a record of presence of post nasal drip, hypertrophic pale or bluish boggy mucosa covered with thin secretion was made. Blood samples were taken for Serum IgE Levels and Total Eosinophil Count. The data was analyzed for frequencies by SPSS 24. Since the data was not parametric, non-parametric tests were applied. Results: Gender distribution showed a male predominance with males 58.5% (117) and females 41.5% (83). Most of the patients were among the age group 3 to 5 decades. Serum IgE was raised in 152 (76%) patients, while Total Eosinophil Counts were raised in 104 (52%) patients. Serum IgE levels were found significant as p ≤0.50, while Total Eosinophil Count was not found significant as p ≥ 0.50. Conclusion: Serum IgE Levels and Total Eosinophil Counts are good reflector of Allergic Rhinitis. Although Serum IgE levels appear to be very significant in diagnosing Allergic Rhinitis, Total Eosinophil Count has yet to be established as a significant diagnostic tool. Being expensive tests, only Serum IgE levels should be advised in patients with suspicion of Allergic Rhinitis, and Total Eosinophil Count should not be advised routinely.