Abstract:ObjectiveTo study the underlying mechanisms of olfactory dysfunction in allergic rhinitis (AR).MethodsIn this study, 217 patients with AR were included，and 99 healtadults were chosen as normal controls. Olfactory function of all cases was detected using the Sniffin Sticks test. Nasal secretion analysis included detection of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase. Nasal obstruction was evaluated by nasal airway resistance (NAR) examination.ResultsThe nasal airway resistance compared with allergic rhinitis with the control group of patients, no statistically significant differences(P>0.05); the olfactory function, Ecp and tryptase of the nasal secretions in patients with AR compared with the control group of patients, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).ConclusionsIncreased activity of eosinophil and mast cell in the olfactory cleft can lead to olfactory dysfunction in patients with AR, while the nasal obstruction caused by inflammation may not give rise to olfactory dysfunction in patients with AR.