Abstract
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by exposure to allergens, which impairs the cognitive capabilities of the affected. ObjectiveTo correlate the mean scores of quality of life of children and adolescents with symptoms of allergic rhinitis and the presence of household environmental factors described in the literature as allergy triggers. MethodThis cross-sectional retrospective cohort study included 120 children and adolescents presenting clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the number of allergy-triggering environmental factors seen in their households. Scale PedsQL 4.0 was used to quantify quality of life and allow further comparisons between groups. ResultsNo statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were seen in the PedsQL mean scores when participant quality of life was analyzed vis-a-vis triggering environmental factors. However, the incidence of allergy manifestations was higher in children exposed to more environmental factors. ConclusionThe studied environmental factors were not correlated with patient quality of life. However, the analysis of patient households and symptoms indicates the environment played a role in the onset of allergy events.
Highlights
IntroductionAllergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by exposure to allergens which, after sensitization, trigger an inflammatory response mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) that may result in chronic or recurrent symptoms[1,2]
The studied environmental factors were not correlated with patient quality of life
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by exposure to allergens which, after sensitization, trigger an inflammatory response mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) that may result in chronic or recurrent symptoms[1,2]
Summary
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by exposure to allergens which, after sensitization, trigger an inflammatory response mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) that may result in chronic or recurrent symptoms[1,2]. Prevalence has increased in the last decades partly due to greater environmental exposure, life style changes (longer permanence in enclosed spaces), and socioeconomic factors[3,4]. In Brazil, studies have reported prevalences of 33% and 34% in schoolers aged six to seven and 13 to 14 years respectively[5]. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is estimated to be underdiagnosed[6]. The onset of allergic rhinitis clinical manifestations takes place more commonly during childhood, cases of later onset have been reported by up to 30% of the patients[7]. The main symptoms include aqueous rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction/pruritus, sneezing and ocular symptoms such as pruritus and conjunctival hyperemia, which tend to resolve spontaneously or after treatment[1]
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