Prevalence and Seasonal Variation of Allergic Rhinitis Among Patients Attending the ENT Outpatient Clinic at Zawia Central Hospital in 2025: A Retrospective Study

Gofran Alkharbash; Ghada Rasheed; Nermeen Berragam; Gaitheia Mohammed; Nada Alrahibe; Heba Alzaroug; Zahra Balkhayr; Abeer Elsherif; Badareddin Abousnena

doi:10.54361/ajmas.269762

Authors

Gofran Alkharbash Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6276-4214
Ghada Rasheed Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9005-5182
Nermeen Berragam Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9922-2900
Gaitheia Mohammed Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6079-5744
Nada Alrahibe Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0137-8374
Heba Alzaroug Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7708-6787
Zahra Balkhayr Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2681-6035
Abeer Elsherif Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1399-6623
Badareddin Abousnena Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zawia, Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1523-4575

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54361/ajmas.269762

Keywords:

Allergic Rhinitis, Prevalence, Seasonal Variation, ENT clinic, Zawia, Libya

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) following exposure to allergens. It is clinically characterized by sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and pruritus. According to the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guideline, AR represents a major global health problem with significant effects on sleep quality, daily productivity, and academic performance. Seasonal changes, particularly those related to pollen exposure, dust, climate fluctuations, and environmental allergens, play an important role in symptom exacerbation and healthcare visits. Despite extensive global research, epidemiological data regarding AR prevalence and seasonal patterns in Western Libya remain limited. To determine the prevalence and seasonal variation of allergic rhinitis among patients attending the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) outpatient clinic at Zawia Central Hospital, Western Libya. A hospital-based retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the ENT outpatient clinic of Zawia Central Hospital. Data were extracted from patient records covering one year from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. All patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis by an ENT specialist during the study period were included. Demographic characteristics, monthly distribution, seasonal patterns, and associated diagnoses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Of 6,427 patients attending the ENT outpatient clinic during the study period, 1,102 were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, giving an overall prevalence of 17.1%. Females comprised 61.3% of cases, and the largest age group was 18–39 years (27.3%). Cases occurred throughout the year, with the highest monthly frequency in February (10.0%) and the highest monthly prevalence in March (25.1%). Seasonal distribution was highest in autumn (26.2%) and lowest in summer (23.5%), with no significant seasonal difference (χ² = 1.782, p = 0.619). Most patients (77.0%) had no associated diagnosis; upper respiratory tract infection (4.0%) and Eustachian tube dysfunction (3.3%) were the most frequent associated conditions. Allergic rhinitis is a common condition among patients attending the ENT outpatient clinic, affecting approximately one in six patients. These findings provide baseline epidemiological data for Western Libya. Further multicenter studies involving different regions of Libya are recommended to evaluate geographic variations and investigate environmental, demographic, and other contributing factors associated with allergic rhinitis.