Evaluation of Psychological Score and Quality of Life in Adults with Allergic Rhinitis and Assessment of Related Risk Factors

BACKGROUND: To evaluate quality of life (QoL) and psychological score in adults with allergic rhinitis (AR) and to assess the possible risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 110 adult patients with a define diagnosis of AR, who were referred to an outpatient clinic of allergy and immunology, were included in this study. The modified Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) was applied for the evaluation of QoL in these patients. The psychological score was also assessed, using the Esprint-15 questionnaire. RESULTS: In a total of 110 patients (68 women, 42 men) with the mean±SEM age of 31.92±1.03 years, nasal congestion was the most common symptom (89.1%). Fifty-one (51%) out of 110 AR patients were found to have olfactory dysfunction (OD; hyposmia, 38%; anosmia, 13%). The relationship between nasal congestion and psychological score was significant (P= 0.005). OD had a significant relationship with QoL, as well as the psychological score (P= 0.001 and P= 0.003, respectively). Furthermore, psychological score had a significant relationship with reduction in QoL and sleep impairment (r, +0.654 and r, +0.591, respectively; P< 0.001). Statistical analysis showed that 54.5% of patients had a high psychological score, which was more common in females, although gender differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: Considering the increasing prevalence of AR and the significant relationship of OD and sleep impairment with QoL and psychological score, early diagnosis and treatment of AR may be important in improving QoL.