Effects of allergic rhinitis on self-management and quality of life in adult patients with asthma

Introduction: Bronchial asthma is frequently complicated by allergic rhinitis (AR), and there is a close association between the two conditions. This has been suggested to make it difficult to control asthmatic symptoms. This has important implications for the effective provision of support by caregivers, and so clarification of the effects of AR on the effects on the self-management behaviors and Quality of life(Qol) of asthmatic patients will significantly contribute to the goal for asthma care, which is improvement in Qol. Objective: To investigate the Effects of AR on the self-management and Qol in asthmatic patients. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey based on self-management behaviors and AHQ-33 in 424 ambulatory asthmatic patients at medical institutions in Osaka Prefecture. These patients were divided into two groups: AR and non-AR groups, and we performed statistical analysis. Results: The AR group consisted of 180 patients (42.5%); 73.3% of the patients had nasal symptoms. The patients in this group showed significantly negative results for two items of self-management behaviors: enough sleep and avoidance of build-up of stress. Also, these patients demonstrated higher scores in all Qol subscales, with significantly impaired Qol for the items of emotion and economics. According to the items, the AR group had significantly higher scores for worsening due to mental factors, frustration, inability to concentrate, and heavy economic burden of treatments. Conclusions: The presence of AR in asthmatic patients was expected to reduce their willingness to cope with stress and, together with nasal symptoms, cause emotional disturbance and the worsening of asthma symptoms.