Quality of life in 164 allergic rhinitis patients caused by different aeroallergens

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the quality of life (QOL) in adults with allergic rhinitis according to the sensitization profile for relevant aeroallergens in Northern China, investigate the proportion of patients with coexisting asthma, and explore the correlation between QOL of rhinitis patients and the specific IgE level to the causative allergen. METHOD: One hundred and sixty-four allergic rhinitis patients participated in this study, whose clinical history, results of intradermal skin test and serum specific IgE levels to common aeroallergens in North China were collected. QOL was evaluated using the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ). RESULT: QOL of rhinitis patients was worse in those sensitized to tree pollens or weed pollens than those sensitized to house dust mites in Northern China. The proportion of patients with co-existing asthma was lower in tree pollen group than in house dust mite group or weed pollen group, and there was no significant difference between house dust mite group and weed pollen group. There was no significant correlation between QOL of rhinitis patients and the specific IgE level to the causative allergen. CONCLUSION: In our study group, QOL of patients with allergic rhinitis varied with the allergen responsible for symptoms, but was not influenced by the specific IgE level to relevant allergen. The proportion of patients with co-existing asthma also varied with different pollen allergens. Rhinitis patients sensitized to weed pollens might be more likely to suffer from asthma than those sensitized to tree pollens.