Fibromyalgia in the Patients With Allergic Rhinitis: Its Prevalence and Impact on the Quality of Life

Abstract

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic diseases which affect a patient’s quality of life. Another important disease which has a negative impact on quality of life is fibromyalgia (FM). Some studies have suggested that a probable relationship exists between atopic diseases and FM.

Objectives

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of FM and its impact on quality of life among AR patients.

Methods

One hundred five consecutive adult patients with AR who were between 18 and 57 years old were prospectively recruited in this study between April 2017 and May 2018. All patients were evaluated for the presences of FM. Patients were diagnosed with FM according to the classification criteria of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology. The patients’ quality of life was evaluated by Turkish versions of the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).

Results

Thirty-four patients were diagnosed as having FM (32.4%). The percentage of FM was considerably higher than in the general population (2%–5%). Median individual domain scores except practical problems (P = .108) and eyes symptoms (P = .227) were significantly higher in AR with FM patients (P < .001). All median levels of the NHP domains were significantly higher in AR with FM patients (P < .001).

Conclusion

We would like to suggest that FM may be considered as one of the overlooked comorbid conditions in AR patients. Physicians should be aware of the occurrence of FM, especially in patients with impaired quality of life.