Relationship of Nasal Cytology with Clinical Diagnosis

Abstract

Aim: Nasal mucosa is one of the easily accessible areas to evaluate the upper respiratory tract. In this study, the clinical significance of nasal mucosal smear was examined. Material and method: 26 cases were included in the study. Of these cases, 21 allergic rhinitis, 5 non-allergic upper respiratory tract infections. Nasal swabs taken from these cases were examined under a microscope. Inflammatory and epithelial cells were counted. Hemogram findings of the cases were determined from the automation system. Results: 12 of the cases were male and 14 were female. The age distribution varied between 13-75 years old. Inflammatory cells in nasal swab; The allergic and non-allergic group grade ratios (eosinophil, mast, neutrophil, goblet) were as follows, respectively (0.15 / 0; 0.28 / 0; 2.66 / 2.4; 0.4 / 0.33). Statistically, the only significant, positive correlation was between basophil and clinical diagnosis (p = 0.039). There was no significant relationship between the clinical diagnosis and otherbiochemical markers (hemoglobin, white blood cell, red blood cell, monocyte, eosinophil, neutrophils) (respectively; p = 0,301; 0,301; 0,301; 0,252; 0,414). Conclusion: Microscopic evaluation of nasal swabs, together with clinical parameters, may be helpful in diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of cases.