Quality of Life in Allergic Rhinitis in Mexico

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate quality of life in untreated Mexican patients with allergic rhinitis, using the Rhinoconjunctivitis and Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ).

Method: Cross-sectional survey study. Fifty-six patients with diagnosis of persistent, moderate or severe untreated allergic rhinitis from January to December 2007 were included. The RQLQ was applied to each patient. This work was done at Hospital Fray Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde, in the Otolaryngology Department (Guadalajara, Jalisco, México).

Results: Fifty-six patients were included, 35 women and 21 men. The mean age was 28 years (range, 12-65 years). All of them were diagnosed with persistent allergic rhinitis: 36 moderate cases and 20 severe cases. The most common symptoms were: rhinorrhea, congestion or nasal obstruction, sneezing, fatigue, itching, and headache. All the areas had a moderate impact (2.26 to 3.75). The most affected areas were the nasal symptoms and practical problems (3.75 and 3.73). The lowest scores were observed in sleep disturbance and ocular symptoms (2.26 and 2.46).

Conclusion: The quality of life of patients depends on the severity and frequency of the symptoms in its daily activities. It is a cheap instrument, easily obtained and well accepted by the patient. The Rhinoconjunctivitis and Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire should be applied in the patients.