Multicenter Investigation of Current Allergic Rhinitis Coexistence in Asthma Patients.

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated whether any of the participants diagnosed with asthma also suffered from allergic rhinitis (AR); the authors also evaluated the coexistence rate.

METHODS

The study enrolled 1140 asthma patients (760 males, 380 females) from centers in different regions of Turkey. All subjects showed asthma signs, including shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Asthma severity was evaluated according to the GINA guidelines. The patients were also assessed for sinonasal symptoms and allergic rhinitis using the survey.

RESULTS

AR positivity is detected in 846 patients (74.2%). In the age group of 20 to 29, 81.4% have AR, and in the age group of 30 to 39, 66.4% have RA. In asthma individuals, the AR positivity rate is higher in those with nasal discharge, sneezing, itching, and nasal obstruction. In asthma individuals, the total nasal symptom scores were higher in patients with a positive AR diagnosis (15.42±3.03) compared with those with a negative diagnosis (14.83±2.53). Postnasal drip, mucopurulent discharge, nasal polyps, and hyposmia were also positive in AR-positive patients. In AR-positive patients, mild and moderate shortness of breath, moderate and severe wheezing, moderate and severe cough, no chest thickness, and moderate chest tightness were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

AR positivity was detected in 846 patients with asthma (74.2%). Dysfunction of the upper and lower airways frequently coexists. Early identification and optimal management of AR can improve asthma symptoms. Patients with asthma should be evaluated for allergic rhinitis, and treatments should be planned for both diseases.