Purpose: The relationship between chronic sinusitis and allergy has been discussed for many years. Type I allergies are believed to be involved in chronic sinusitis. However, there is not enough evidence to allow allergic sinusitis to be distinguished as an exact entity. This study was designed to examine the role of immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic reactions in allergic sinusitis.
Patients and methods: We investigated the differences between 31 patients with allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis (allergic sinusitis) and 48 control subjects with nonallergic chronic sinusitis (chronic sinusitis). The pathological features of paranasal sinus effusion and mucosa were examined and compared in these two groups.
Results: The number of eosinophils, activated eosinophils, and neutrophils was higher in paranasal sinus effusion from patients with allergic sinusitis. The concentration of interleukin-5 was higher in the effusion of allergic sinusitis patients. In addition, more eosinophils and activated eosinophils infiltrated into the sinus mucosa of patients with allergic sinusitis.
Conclusion: The type I allergic reaction has a significant role in the pathogenesis of sinusitis arising in patients with allergic rhinitis.