Assessment of Quality of Life and Coexistent Allergic Conjunctivitis in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis in Van Province

Abstract

Objective:In this study, we aimed to evaluate coexistent allergic conjunctivitis with allergic rhinitis in Van province and the patients’ quality of life in this region.Methods:A total of 94 patients who were admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology Clinics of Van Province Training and Research Hospital and Erciş State Hospital were included in this study. All patients underwent an ophthalmologic evaluation for coexistent allergic conjunctivitis. Moreover, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis symptom scoring was applied to all patients. The rhinoconjunctivitis quality-of-life scale (RQLQ) was used to assess quality of life in all patients.Results:Mean total symptom score was found to be 12.1±4.2. In 37.2% of patients, coexistent allergic conjunctivitis was diagnosed. Scores of RQLQ sleep, non-hay fever complaints, nasal and ophthalmic complaints, and restricted activities were significantly higher in the group with coexistent allergic conjunctivitis than in the group with no allergic conjunctivitis.Conclusion:Patients with allergic rhinitis must be evaluated by taking the places where they live into account. It is crucial that the treatment procedures of particularly patients with ophthalmic complaints should be planned after they are examined by an ophthalmologist. It should be kept in mind that patients with allergic rhinitis must also be examined by a psychiatrist when necessary.

Keywords

• allergic rhinitis
• allergic conjunctivitis
• quality of life
• van