Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients with Allergic Rhinitis treated at the Medical Clinic of Integrated Education – Unisul

Abstract

Introduction Allergic rhinitis is a common disease among children and adolescents, reaching up to 40% of the population. During childhood, it is usually underdiagnosed because it has nonspecific symptoms. It has a negative impact on quality of life and may predispose to comorbidities. The diagnosis is clinical and treatment aims prevention. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods This is an observational study with cross-sectional design. The population consisted of pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis treated at the Medical Clinic of Integrated Education (MCIE) – Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina - Unisul, Tubarão, SC, Brazil. We collected data from March to June 2016 through the application of the Sociodemographic and Health Questionnaire, rhinitis module of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Questionnaire and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire Modified. Results Out of the 69 respondents, 52.2% were boys with a mean age of 10.13 years old. The predominant education level of parents/guardians was incomplete second grade and average income level was two minimum wages. 81.2% said they had previous treatment for AR, 30.4% had asthma and 7.2% eczema. Incidence of patients smoking was absent and family (parents/guardians) smoking was 17.4%. March to July were the months of highest symptom occurrence, slightly disturbing daily activities. The mean value of severity was 51.9, nasal symptoms were the most uncomfortable, and nasal itchiness was the most cited. Conclusion Our results highlight that allergic symptoms negatively impact the life of people with allergic rhinitis, with a predominance of nasal symptoms, especially nasal itchy, representing a poor quality of life of the interviewed.

Rinitis Alergi pada Anak

“…Rinosinusitis, otitis media efusi dan gangguan pendengaran merupakan komplikasi yang sering terjadi pada anak dengan RA. 15 Angka kejadian rinitis alergi pada anak sekitar 5-10% sementara itu kejadian kejadian rinitis alergi berkisar antara 14-89% pada anak dengan OME.…”

The Lived Experiences of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis in a Referral Institution in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

“…Symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and nasal pruritus, ocular and palatal pruritus, redness and lacrimation, and postnasal drainage usually affects the physical wellbeing of patients [2]. Patients also experience negative effects on their psychological wellbeing, which include poor concentration, behavioural disorders, such as restlessness, irritability, inattention, and daytime sleepiness [11]. The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of patients with allergic rhinitis at a referral institution in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.…”

Evaluation of the relationship between some mental state parameters and the quality of life in patients with allergic diseases.

“…In addition, according to studies, people affected by allergic diseases are at risk of developing mental disorders [5]. The occurrence of psychopathological symptoms such as anxiety, depression or sleep disorders, which are often a complication of the disease itself, adversely affects their course and, as a consequence, can lead to a deterioration in the quality of life [6][7][8]. Depressive symptoms may also be accompanied by a reluctance to take any action, including following medical advice.…”