Effect of smoking on symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Background: Tobacco smoking is common in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Objective: To examine the impact of smoking on allergic rhinitis.

Methods: Two cross-sectional studies (performed between March 1, 2002, and February 28, 2003) assessed the impact of tobacco smoking on the symptoms and quality of life of untreated patients with diagnosed allergic rhinitis who had consulted with primary care physicians (472 patients) and specialists (672 patients).