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Impact of Allergic Rhinitis Treatment on Quality of Life

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Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the nasal passages. It affects approximately 20% of the population, is a significant health and economic burden, and severely impairs quality of life.

Two main instruments, Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form health survey (SF-36) and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) have been used to assess quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, anticholinergic agents, decongestants, cromoglycates, and immunotherapy are used to treat patients with allergic rhinitis.

Of these, antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are the most efficacious and frequently utilised medications. Studies have demonstrated improvements in quality of life with both of these medications in patients with allergic rhinitis.

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Acknowledgements

Supported by the Ernest S. Bazley Grant to Northwestern Memorial, Hospital and Northwestern University Medical School, USA.

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  1. Division of Allergy-Immunology and the Ernest S. Bazley Asthma and Allergic Diseases Center of the Department of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Medical School, Medicine/Allergy, MC-S207, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, USA

    Anju Tripathi & Roy Patterson

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Tripathi, A., Patterson, R. Impact of Allergic Rhinitis Treatment on Quality of Life. Pharmacoeconomics 19, 891–899 (2001). https://doi.org/10.2165/00019053-200119090-00001

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