Rhinitis and quality of life

Although allergic rhinitis is not considered as a serious disease, its impact on patients' quality of life, psychological state, and professional life or life at school is substantial. These consequences – like those brought about by the necessity of taking medicines regularly – were not taken into consideration until a few years ago.

 
Allergic rhinitis physically, psychologically and socially impairs 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] complain of diminished alertness and productivity.

In the ERAP[4] study on perennial rhinitis:

• 35% of patients experienced sleep disorders
• In 70% of patients, there was an impact on their professional life
• In 90% of patients, there was an impact on their personal life

The ERASM[5] study on seasonal rhinitis showed that more than 70% of patients experienced mood and sleep disorders during the pollen season.

The same impairments in quality of life were reported in the ECRIN[6] study, in which approximately 40% of patients experienced sleep disorders and diminished physical activity due to their rhinitis.

Asthma and quality of life

The recent CREDES[7] survey reminds us that asthmatic individuals have an impaired quality of life.

• One out of four individuals with asthma must limit his/her physical activities between his/her attacks, depending on the degree of severity of the disease.
• Only half of all people suffering from moderate or severe persistent asthma lead a normal life despite the discomfort
• Individuals with asthma evaluate their health status as worse than healthy individuals
• The clinical signs of the disease are poorly controlled in one out of 6 cases, mainly in individuals who suffer from severe persistent asthma

[1] Vuurman EF et al. Ann Allergy 1993; 71: 121-126.
[2] Juniper EF et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1994; 93.
[3] Bousquet J. et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1994; 94: 182-188.
[4] Demoly P. et al. Presse Med 2003 ; 32: 1066-72
[5] Demoly P. et al ; Rev Fr Allergol Immunol Clin 2001 ; 41: 30-3
[6] Didier A. et al. Rev Fr Allergol Immunol Clin 2002 ; 42: 343 (Abstract)
[7] Com-Ruelle L. et al. CREDES 2000.  

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