Impact of allergic airway diseases on the quality of life of older adults

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa mediated by IgE, many times chronic and imposes a representative economic burden altering the quality of life. Objective: Discover the attitudes and perceptions of elder patients about the symptoms of AR, and find out if interferes in achieving quality of life.

This study descriptive, cross-sectional based on a Quality of Life Questionnaire in Rhinoconjunctivitis and Allergic Rhinitis. Patients of both sexes between ages 60 and 85 attending the Allergy and Immunology Service of the National Hospital of Clinics, (Cba, Argentine) were randomly included. A written consent was given, and the project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the institution. The data was analyzed with Infostat 2018 considering p<0.05 as significant.

104 surveys were conducted, 69 women (66%) and 35 men (34%) with an average of 71 years. We observed that watery rhinorrhea was the most frequent symptom (91%). Nasal itching occurred in 89% and 73% of patients reported having had coughing episodes caused by rhinitis. 65% of respondents interrupted to some extent, their daily activity because of RA. 48.5% reported the presence of symptoms outside their home. 58% reported their health as good; regulate 15%; very good 17%; and 6% as excellent. 

Although patients perceive themselves to be healthy, it is important that they detect the impact of AR on their quality of life. It is necessary to include effective treatments to control symptoms.