Association between Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis with Decreased General Health–Related Quality of Life

Background The impact of specific allergic rhinitis symptoms on patient quality of life (QOL) is currently unknown. Objective In this study, we sought to determine the association between nasal and extranasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis with general health–related QOL. Methods A total of 150 participants with ages > 18 years and persistent allergic rhinitis were prospectively recruited for this cross-sectional study. General health–related QOL was measured by using the visual analog scale (VAS) from the five-dimension EuroQol QOL survey (EQ-5D). The severity of nasal and extranasal symptoms was measured by using the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). The severity of nasal obstruction was measured by using the Nasal Obstruction Severity Evaluation (NOSE) scale. Each participant also completed a Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT). Results The total SNOT-22 score was significantly correlated with RCAT (r = -0.68 [95% confidence interval {CI}, -0.75 to -0.58]; p < 0.001) and EQ-5D VAS (r = -0.44 [95% CI, -0.56 to -0.30]; p < 0.001). Of the 22 symptoms assessed on the SNOT-22, sleep-related symptoms, and otologic symptoms were associated with the greatest decrease in general health–related QOL. Nasal symptoms were least associated with general health–related QOL. The symptom of nasal obstruction was not at all associated with general health–related QOL (p = 0.267). We confirmed this finding by showing no significant correlation between the NOSE score and EQ-5D VAS (r = -0.05 [95% CI, -0.21 to 0.12]; p = 0.582). Conclusion Sleep and otologic symptoms were associated with the greatest negative impact on QOL in adults with persistent allergic rhinitis and should be routinely assessed in their clinical evaluation.