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Background:
Several studies have
shown links between
the upper and lower
airways in allergic
patients.
Objectives:
This study aimed to
evaluate the
prevalence of
rhinitis in patients
with allergic asthma
attending allergy
outpatient clinics
and to examine the
interrelationship
between both
conditions.
Methods: An
epidemiological
prospective study
was carried out
during the period
2004-2005 and 170
allergists from all
over the country
participated. After
obtaining written
informed consent, we
collected clinical
and demographic
data, a personal and
family history of
allergic diseases,
and data on the
duration and
severity of asthma
and rhinitis. These
data were classified
according to the
criteria of the
Global Initiative
for Asthma and the
Allergic Rhinitis
and its Impact on
Asthma guidelines,
respectively.
Results: A
total of 968
subjects were
screened and 942
were enrolled in the
study. Mean (SD) age
was 35.5 (14) years
and 63% were female.
Of these patients,
89.5% presented with
allergic rhinitis.
The duration of the
disease was 12.6
(8.9) years for
rhinitis and 11.4
(9.6) years for
asthma (P < .0001).
The severity of
asthma was
classified as
intermittent (39%),
mild persistent
(30%), moderate
persistent (27%),
and severe
persistent (4%).
Rhinitis was
classified as mild
intermittent (24%),
moderate/severe
intermittent (22%),
mild persistent
(19%) and
moderate/severe
persistent (35%). A
significant
correlation was
found (P < .0001)
between the severity
of rhinitis and
asthma. The
prevalence of
allergic rhinitis
was inversely
correlated with the
age of the patients
(P < .0001) and the
severity of asthma
(P < .05).
Conclusion:
This study
reinforces the high
prevalence of
allergic rhinitis in
patients with
asthma, which can
affect as many as
89.5%.
Key words:
Allergic asthma.
Allergic rhinitis.
Asthma and rhinitis
comorbidity.
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