Abstract
The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) is steadily rising in the Thai population, causing a major impact on the quality of life (QoL). Enhancing knowledge on common aeroallergens in the local setting helps in the appropriate prevention and management of AR. In this study, the demographic characteristics, clinical data, aeroallergen sensitization pattern, allergic symptoms, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and QoL are described. We evaluated the association between VAS, QoL, and severity of symptoms, except the aeroallergen sensitization pattern. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of adult AR patients with a positive skin prick test (SPT) for at least one aeroallergen from January 2018 to May 2020. Standard descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. A total of 366 patients were enrolled. Indoor aeroallergen sensitization and outdoor aeroallergen sensitization were observed in 32% and 7.9% of patients, respectively. Mono-sensitization was noted in 16.9% of patients, while poly-sensitization was noted in 83.1% of patients. Mites (65%) and sedge (39.3%) were the most common indoor and outdoor allergens. Nasal obstruction (74.6%), runny nose (63.7%), and nasal itchiness (61.5%) were the primary symptoms affecting the QoL. The association between VAS and symptom scores showed a trend of association with AR severity (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma [ARIA] classification) and VAS. AR has a significant effect on QoL in all domains of the validated generic (short-form-36, SF-36) and specific (rhino-conjunctivitis QoL questionnaire, Rcq-36) questionnaires. Mite and sedge remain the most common indoor and outdoor aeroallergens. The pattern of sensitization and number of aeroallergens were not associated with AR based on the ARIA guidelines. Meanwhile, symptoms of patients affected the QoL and VAS scores, which can be used as a quick and reliable tool for monitoring and stepping up or stepping down the treatment according to the next-generation guidelines. AR has a significant impact on the QoL of adult Thai patients.
Highlights
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa induced after allergen exposure and has three cardinal symptoms: sneezing, nasal obstruction, and rhinorrhoea [1]
The following demographic and clinical data were obtained: age, gender, presenting symptoms, duration of symptoms, skin prick test (SPT) results for various aeroallergens, the score of each domain in Social functioning (SF)-36, the score of each domain in the Rcq-36, and classification and severity of AR based on the ARIA guidelines
The SPT was performed on the ventral aspect of the forearm by placing one drop of each allergenic extract 3-cm apart; the skin was pricked with a 26-gauge separate disposable needle in the middle of each allergen drop, using light pressure
Summary
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa induced after allergen exposure and has three cardinal symptoms: sneezing, nasal obstruction, and rhinorrhoea [1]. The effective management of AR requires a precise diagnosis, which includes the identification of IgEmediated inflammation [4]. The optimal management includes adequate control of symptoms through the provision of patient education, environmental control, and the use of pharmaceutical therapies and immunotherapy [5]. Allergic rhinitis represents a global health problem, affecting 10–20% of the population. According to a previous study, the prevalence of AR increased from 37.9 to 50.6% [6]. The pattern of aeroallergen sensitization varies according to the geographical region due to differences in climate, urbanization, and lifestyle. Knowledge of the up-to-date data regarding the offending aeroallergen in a local setting at a particular time is important for the effective management of AR [3, 7]
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