Allergic rhinitis in medical students at the University of the Free State

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis, the most common form of chronic rhinitis, can adversely affect quality of life. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in adolescents in South Africa has been estimated to be 38.5%, but there is a paucity of data from African countries on allergic rhinitis.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in medical students in the Faculty of Health Science at the University of the Free State (UFS). Information was acquired on the effects that the condition had on participants with regard to symptoms, quality of life, disease management and treatment.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all medical students registered with the Faculty of Health Sciences at UFS in 2016. The estimated population was 706 students.Results: The response rate was 62.6%. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 39.1%. The most common symptoms were rhinorrhoea (64.8%), repeated sneezing (64.3%) and nasal obstruction (58.5%). Symptoms were at their worst during August to October. Antihistamines had been used by 82.4% of participants to treat their symptoms in the previous 12 months, while 28.8% had used an intranasal steroid spray.Conclusion: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in medical students at UFS was 39.1%. Rhinorrhoea, sneezing and nasal obstruction were the most frequent and bothersome symptoms.

The Prevalence and Impact of Allergic Rhinitis on Academic Performance and Quality of Life Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia

“…The findings of this current study showed that the prevalence of AR was 39.9% among the sample of 851 medical students from different regions of Saudi Arabia. Surprisingly, studies from other nations also reported very similar findings [5,[8][9][10]. However, there needs to be more studies in Saudi Arabia, where only one regional study was conducted in Jeddah and reported a prevalence of 16.7% among medical students [11].…”

“…Data was gathered on the effects of the condition on participants in terms of symptoms, quality of life, disease management, and treatment. A prevalence of 39.1% was found, and sneezing, rhinorrhoea, and nasal obstruction were the most common and bothersome symptoms in those students [ 5 ].…”

Quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis at a South African referral hospital: a prospective cross-sectional study

“…A study in South African medical students found that allergic rhinitis affected their quality of life, with class attendance and participation in outdoor activities being affected [ 10 ]. Many participants reported that they frequently felt tired or miserable as a result of their nasal symptoms.…”

Rhinitis Alergika pada Dewasa Muda di Rumah Sakit Siti Rahmah Padang: Case Report

“…Ketika diagnosis RA ditegakkan, pertanyaan apakah penderita RA juga menderita asma diperlukan, demikian halnya mengenai gejala atopi lainnya seperti alergi makanan dan eksema. Beberapa studi menyebutkan hampir 80% penderita asma juga menderita rinitis, dan 10%-40% penderita rinitis juga menderita asma (2,6,7) RA disebabkan oleh reaksi hipersensitifitas yang diperantarai oleh IgE (Reaksi tipe I Gel dan Coombs). Suatu alergen dikenali oleh Antigen Presenting Cell (APC) kemudian dipresentasikan kepada sel limfosit Th yang membutuhkan reseptor Human Leukosit Antigen (HLA).…”