Deficiency of vitamin D in allergic rhinitis: A possible factor in multifactorial disease

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition affecting 5 to 40% of general population and its prevalence is increasing. It is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of nasal mucosa. As per recent studies, there is an association between serum vitamin D levels and allergic rhinitis status. Vitamin D has major role in the regulation of calcium metabolism. In addition to this, it also has a number of immunological effects and takes part in immunomodulation, which can significantly affect the outcome of allergic responses like in allergic rhinitis. Aims and objectives: To establish the correlation between vitamin D3 serum levels and allergic rhinitis. Materials and methods: Vitamin D levels were assessed in 23 patients with allergic rhinitis diagnosed clinically by allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma 2008 criteria and results were compared with vitamin D status in the normal population of same region. Results: The levels of serum vitamin D levels were significantly low in the patients of allergic rhinitis. Conclusion: Measuring of serum levels of vitamin D could be considered in the routine assessment of patients with allergic rhinitis.