The Prevalence and Impact of Allergic Rhinitis on Asthma Exacerbations in Asthmatic Adult Patients in the Riyadh Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma are highly prevalent conditions known to occur concomitantly. However, observational, cross-sectional studies in Saudi Arabia assessing the frequency and severity of rhinitis in asthmatics adults using questionnaires based on guidelines are unavailable. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate this side and evaluate the role of triggers, symptoms, and family history or history of AR on asthma control levels. Methods: From April 2nd to September 18th, 2021, this observational cross-sectional study was conducted through an online self-administrated questionnaire that was distributed electronically on social media through the SurveyMonkey website (Momentive Inc., Waterford, NY). The study targeted asthmatic adult patients residing in Riyadh city in Saudi Arabia. Results: Overall, 187 questionnaires were analyzed. In this study, the frequency of AR in asthmatic patients was 75.5% (95% CI: 74.87-75.4%). Of those, AR was intermittent mild for 15.0%, intermittent moderate to severe for 43.9%, mild persistent for 2.14%, persistent moderate to severe for 14.4%, and 24.6% of patients were without AR. A significant association was observed between asthma control level and the severity of AR (P < 0.001). Moderate to severe persistent AR was more prevalent in patients with uncontrolled asthma (40.6%) than patients with partially controlled (25%) or controlled asthma (2.7%). Conclusions: This study suggested that AR was related to more severe asthma and more difficulty in controlling asthma. The frequency significantly increased with the severity of asthma.