Sleep, quality of life, and productivity impact of nasal symptoms in the United States: Findings from the Burden of Rhinitis in America survey

Abstract

Rhinitis is a common chronic condition that has been shown in observational and interventional studies to have a substantial impact on the sufferer. This study was performed to describe the impact of symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) on sleep, quality of life, and productivity in a U.S. population. A cohort of AR sufferers and non-AR sufferers was assembled by screening a representative sample of 15,000 households with a self-administered questionnaire in January 2004. A subsample of respondents received a detailed follow-up questionnaire in the May/June pollen season. Of the 7024 individuals with complete data, 3831 met the case definition of AR sufferer; 3193 were non-AR sufferers. Overall, AR sufferers had consistently poorer average scores on the sleep, quality of life, cognition, and productivity scales compared with non-AR sufferers. Subjects with AR symptoms had more sleep impairment (51.2) compared with subjects with non-AR symptoms and those with no symptoms (59.8 and 63.3, respectively). Only 3.6% of subjects with AR symptoms experienced 100% sleep adequacy compared with 11.7% of subjects with non-AR symptoms and 19.2% of subjects with no symptoms. Quality of life and cognition scores were worse in subjects with AR symptoms compared with subjects with non-AR or no symptoms. Work and school productivity was significantly reduced in subjects with AR symptoms in the past 4 weeks compared with subjects with no symptoms (p < 0.05). Individuals who suffer from AR symptoms experience a substantial burden on their ability to sleep, quality of life, cognitive function, and school/workplace productivity.

Underdiagnosed and Undertreated Allergic Rhinitis in Urban School-Aged Children with Asthma

“…A model has been proposed to illustrate the concept of ''one airway,'' 6 which emphasizes the need for healthcare providers who treat patients with asthma also to consider aggressive treatment of coexisting AR. 1,9 This is essential for urban children with high asthma morbidity rates at risk for poor school functioning 1,41 In these children with high population attributable risk for hospitalization and ED visits, the role of allergies cannot be ignored.…”

Efficacy of fluticasone furoate nasal spray and levocetirizine in patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis subjected to an artificial exposure chamber

“…SAR symptoms, including rhinorrhea, sneezing attacks, nasal congestion, eye itching, and eye tearing, disturb not only daily life, but also socioeconomics3. These symptoms are known to have a negative impact on daily work, school performance, and quality-of-life3,4.…”

“…These symptoms are known to have a negative impact on daily work, school performance, and quality-of-life3,4. Therefore, pollinosis patients are eager to receive appropriate medication against SAR symptoms.…”

Health-Related Quality of Life and Rhinitis Control Measures in Allergic Rhinitis

“…The symptoms have the potential to lead to both physical and mental complications, with allergic rhinitis patients reporting problems sleeping, increased fatigue, impaired cognition, and psychological distress [8,9]. In addition, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis have been shown to compromise the ability to perform at work or school [10,11].…”