The impact of allergic rhinitis on quality of life: a study in western Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic diseases, due to their prolonged and debilitating nature, dramatically affect patient quality of life. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common chronic diseases. The present study aimed to determine quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis in Western Iran. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 146 patients with AR were enrolled in this study. The required data were collected using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). The questionnaire was distributed among the patients by a physician and analysis of data was carried out by SPSS version 16. Results: Of the total of 146 AR patients admitted to the clinic, 61% were female and 39% were male; the mean age was 29±10.17. Rhinorrhea (82.2%) was the most common symptom, and moderate to severe intermittent rhinitis (38.4%) was the most common type of the disease. A dramatic reduction in quality of life was observed in 62% of the patients, and the severity of the disease significantly reduced the quality of life (P=0.000). Conclusion: Allergic rhinitis can adversely affect every aspect of a patient's life, including sleep quality, mood and daily activities.