International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 4 (1982) 293-299 Elsevier Biomedical Press 293 The significance of nasal eosinophils and mast cells in children with nasal symptoms Andrew S. Kemp, Jane Simpson, Craig M. Mellis Departments of Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown, Sydney 2050 (Australia) (Received March 23rd, 1982) (Accepted May 4th, 1982) zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSR Summary Nasal smears from children with symptoms of nasal obstruction and/or discharge were examined for the presence of eosinophils, mucus-containing cells and mast cells. The presence of more than one eosinophil or any mast cells was significantly associated with atopy as determined by immediate hypersensitivity on skin prick testing. Twelve children with markedly increased numbers of nasal smear mast cells are described. In these children symptoms frequently commenced in the first 6 months of life. Nasal eosinophilia was not noted in any of the cases. Nasal smear mastocytosis was associated with significant perennial symptoms and would be missed if nasal smears are examined only for eosinophilia. Introduction Increased numbers of nasal eosinophils have been described in atopic children [4.5,8]. Less attention has been paid to other cell types. In a previous study increased numbers of mast cells, eosinophils and mucus cells were found in smears obtained from the nasal mucosa of atopic children with wheeze as compared to a group of non-atopic children [3]: however, Murray et al. did not find an association between goblet cells and nasal allergy in children [5]. Increased numbers of nasal mast cells have been described in smears from adults with both seasonal [2,7] and perennial [6] allergic rhinitis. To evaluate nasal cytology in children with nasal symptoms we have quantitated mucus cells, mast cells and eosinophils in nasal smears from children with symptoms of either nasal obstruction or wateriness, and show that the presence of more than one eosinophil or any mast cells is significantly associated with the presence of atopy as defined by a positive skin test. We described the clinical 0165-5876/82/0000-0000/$02.75 0 1982 Elsevier Biomedical Press