Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dry nose (DN) can be commonly observed in rhinitis, which can be objectively diagnosed; but it is usually ignored. OBJECTIVE: The present work focused on analyzing clinical features, selecting biomarkers, and exploring the pathogenesis of DN. METHODS: The present prospective single-center study was carried out between July 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024. Consecutive patients with suspected rhinitis according to common symptoms, including rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, itching, and sneezing, were recruited at the allergy-rhinology outpatient in our hospital. All subjects filled in the questionnaires during recruitment for recording demographic data. DN test devices were used to diagnose DN. Sponges were utilized for collecting nasal secretions, while serum-specific immunoglobulin levels were utilized to determine allergic status. RESULTS: Totally 1,323 chronic rhinitis patients were recruited, which included those with allergic rhinitis, idiopathic rhinitis (IR), local allergic rhinitis, and nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome. Of these participants, 8.6% were diagnosed with DN. The percentage of patients with DN and smokers remarkably increased in IR group. According to Qinling-Huaihe Line, 106 patients with DN (93.0%) were from Northern China. The IL-6 content in DN group apparently increased. CONCLUSIONS: DN affects over 8% of patients with chronic rhinitis in China, most of whom are from Northern China. Most patients with DN smoke, accounting for the largest proportion of patients with IR. Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and associated cytokines are probably critical for the pathogenic mechanism underlying this nasal disease.