Impact of allergic rhinitis treatment on quality of life.
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.
Tripathi
A
A
Department of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. a-tripathi@nwu.edu
Patterson
R
R
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012890:Sleep; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D014663:Nasal Decongestants