- Being allergic
- Respiratory allergenes
- Quality of life
Rhinitis and quality of life
Although allergic rhinitis is not considered as a severe disease, its impact is substantial on patients' quality of life, psychological condition, and professional life or life at school. These consequences - including the need for regular medication - have only been taken into account in the last few years.
Allergic rhinitis entails adverse physical, psychological and social consequences for affected individuals.
In children[1] and adolescents, [2] school performance and extracurricular activities are diminished. In the case of chronic rhinitis, learning difficulties are noted.
Adults[3] report reduced concentration and productivity.
According to the ERAP study[4] on perennial rhinitis:
- 35% of patients experienced sleep disorders
- 70% of patients reports repercussions in their professional life
- 90% of patients reports repercussions in their personal life
The ERASM study[5] on seasonal rhinitis showed that mood and sleep patterns were adversely affected in more than 70% of patients during the pollen season.
The same problems were pointed up in the ECRIN study, in which approximately 40% of patients reported rhinitis related insomnia as well as reduced physical activity and levels.
Asthma and quality of life
The recent CREDES* survey showed that the quality of life of asthmatics is significantly affected by the disease.
- One asthmatic out of four must restrict his/her level of physical activity between attacks, according to the degree of severity of the disease.
- Only half of those with moderate to severe persistent asthma are able to lead a normal life
- Asthmatics evaluate their health status as worse than healthy individuals
The clinical symptoms of asthma are poorly controlled in one out of six cases, mainly in severe persistent disease.
