Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) and sensitization are considered chronic conditions. However, few studies have reported remission rates in adults.
Objective: We sought to estimate the incidence of remission of AR during an 8-year period.
Methods: Participants in a population-based study of 15- to 69-year-old patients in 1990 were invited to a follow-up in 1998. Questionnaires on respiratory symptoms and serum for specific IgE (s-IgE) analyses were collected at both visits in 734 subjects (69% of those invited). Pollen AR was defined as rhinitis symptoms on pollen exposure within the last 12 months and s-IgE levels of class 2 or greater against pollen (birch, grass, or mugwort). This was similar for AR to animals (cat or dog) or house dust mites (HDMs). Remission of AR was defined as AR at baseline but no rhinitis symptoms at follow-up and sensitization (s-IgE level class > or =2 at baseline and class <2 at follow-up).
Results: Remission of AR occurred in 12% (pollen AR), 19% (animal AR), and 38% (HDM AR; overall, 17%) and was predicted by low s-IgE levels. Age, sex, asthma, atopic predisposition, age at AR onset, and AR duration had no predictive value. A decrease in s-IgE level was observed in only 22% of remitting subjects yet was seen significantly more often than in nonremitting subjects (7.4%). Remission of sensitization occurred in 6% (HDM) to 11% (pollen-furry animal) and was predicted on the basis of low s-IgE levels (class 2) at baseline.
Conclusion: Remission of AR symptoms was relatively infrequent, and remission of both symptoms and IgE sensitization was rare. The results underline the chronic nature of AR in adulthood.