Allergic rhinitis-induced nasal congestion: its impact on sleep quality

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an extremely common health problem affecting 20 to 40 million Americans and between 10-25% of the world's population. Patients with AR suffer from both nasal symptoms (congestion, rhinorrhea, itching, and sneezing) and ocular symptoms (itching, redness, and tearing). The negative impact on sleep quality and quantity, and consequently on various aspects of the patient's life, is an under-recognised and under-treated component of AR morbidity. Nasal congestion, which is one of the most bothersome and prevalent symptoms of AR, is thought to be the leading symptom responsible for rhinitis-related sleep problems.In addition to reducing clinical symptoms, pharmacologic therapies for AR that specifically reduce inflammatory cells and mediators -and therefore nasal congestion and other symptoms -should also improve sleep quality and overall quality of life (QOL). Intranasal corticosteroids (INS) are the current mainstay of therapy for AR. Results of a number of clinical trials demonstrate that INS effectively reduce nasal congestion and ocular symptoms, improve sleep quality, and decrease daytime somnolence. Intranasal corticosteroids have also proved to be effective in reducing symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis, both of which also negatively impact on sleep quality. Intranasal corticosteroids are considered safe due to their low systemic bioavailability.

Real‐life effectiveness of MP‐AzeFlu in Irish patients with persistent allergic rhinitis, assessed by visual analogue scale and endoscopy

“…Although some differences in data reporting and baseline characteristics were noted, the results of this study are consistent with the findings of the same NIS conducted in Sweden 20. Sleep impairment has been well established as a debilitating symptom associated with AR21, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26; therefore, the improvement in sleep quality with MP‐AzeFlu observed in these real‐world studies has the potential to greatly improve AR patients’ quality of life.…”

Sneezing and Runny Nose: Should Allergy Testing Be Routinely Performed?

“…AR is characterized by sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, itchy/watery eyes and headaches. The most bothersome symptoms are sneezing, runny nose, itching and nasal congestion [2][3][4]. However, chronic rhinitis symptoms do not mean allergy every time.…”

Comparative Study of Efficacy & Tolerability of Oral Montelukast & Azelastine Nasal Spray in Allergic Rhinitis

“…2,4,5,6 Estimates of the prevalence of the allergic rhinitis in different countries vary from 0.5% to 28.0%. 3,7 The high prevalence of allergic rhinitis and its effect on quality of life have led to its being classified as a major chronic respiratory disease.…”