Association of severity of allergic rhinitis with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, eosinophil-to-neutrophil, and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratios in adults

Allergic rhinitis is an immunoglobulin E-mediated disorder of the nasal mucosa, with symptoms such as recurrent sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. People with allergic rhinitis suffer from sleep disturbances, emotional distress, and impaired social activity, which results in a reduced quality of life. This study aimed to assess the practicality of inflammatory parameters of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), eosinophil-to-neutrophil ratio (ENR), and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) as markers used to distinguish between intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis.

This double-center, retrospective study included 205 patients with allergic rhinitis and 49 healthy individuals who acted as a control group. Patients with active infection were excluded. NLR, ENR, and ELR were calculated using the results from the participants’ complete blood count. A statistical analysis was also performed.

The participants with allergic rhinitis had significantly higher levels of absolute eosinophils, ENR, and ELR, and also lower levels of NLR when compared to healthy controls. A total of 80% of participants with persistent allergic rhinitis had significantly higher levels of absolute eosinophils, ENR, and ELR and significantly lower levels of NLR than patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis.

In conclusion, allergic rhinitis severity is classified according to the patient’s anamnesis, with serum eosinophil levels and the proportions of ENR and ELR in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis, highlighting the severity of the disease.