Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis in the Geriatric Population: Clinical Characteristics and Inflammatory Markers

Background: The elderly population is increasing worldwide, and age-related changes may influence the prevalence and characteristics of rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) are common in older adults, but their systemic inflammatory profiles are not well understood. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of AR and NAR in patients aged ≥65 years and evaluate systemic inflammation using neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet / lymphocyte ratio (PLR), eosinophil/neutrophil ratio (ELR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII). Methods: In this retrospective study, 294 patients aged >65 years with rhinitis symptoms were evaluated between January 2023 and December 2024. AR was diagnosed in 32% based on skin prick testing and specific IgE levels. Blood markers (NLR, ELR, SII) and clinical characteristics were compared between AR and NAR groups. Results: Pollen sensitization was most frequent in AR (41.9%). Sneezing, nasal itching, and conjunctivitis were more common in AR, while females predominated in NAR (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in SII between groups, but ELR and total IgE were significantly higher in AR. Conclusion: Pollen sensitization and Type 2-mediated eosinophilic inflammation are common in elderly AR, whereas SII fails to differentiate AR from NAR. ELR and total IgE may aid phenotypic characterization in late-onset rhinitis.