Abstract
Background: The impact of the upper on the lower airways and the co-existence of asthma and rhinitis is documented in numerous epidemiological studies. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is usually considered to be a pure IgE-mediated disease induced by seasonal aeroallergens especially pollens however the inflammation is not restricted to nasal mucosa; it also affects other neighboring mucosal surfaces.
Aim: The aim was to determine the clinical charateristics of patients with SAR and risk factors for asthma.
Methods: A total of 222 patients with diagnosis of SAR were enrolled in our adult outpatient allergy clinic in Hacettepe University, between September 2014- July 2015. Data about demographic features, cigarette smoking, accompanying atopic diseases, skin prick test (SPT) results, history of familial atopic diseases were collected.
Results: Of 222 patients, 137 were female (61.7%) and the mean age was 32.24±9.99 years. The mean age of onset of the SAR was 23.11±11.01 years. The most common referral complaints of the patients were nasal symptoms in 87.4%. The most common accompanying atopic disease was asthma in 36%, followed by food allergy in 16%. SPT were positive for pollen in 134 patients (64.4%) and the most common sensitivity was against Phleum pratense (63.1%). Familial atopy, type of referral complaints, food allergy, metal allergy, immunotherapy history, over weight (BMI>25) and mode of delivery were found to be associated with the development of asthma in patients with SAR.
Discussion: The co-existence of SAR and asthma in our study was 36%. The patients with SAR who are at high risk for developing asthma should be investigated and suggested recommendations for preventable risk factors.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016