Allergic rhinitis: Disease characteristics and coping measures in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background Despite allergic rhinitis (AR) being a highly prevalent disease, according to literature, it is often underdiagnosed or undertreated. Aim This study explored the disease characteristics of AR in the Saudi community and the non-conventional coping measures used to alleviate symptoms. Methods The study was a nationwide cross-sectional study, using a self-report electronic survey distributed via social media networks in 2018. The survey included an explanatory letter and consent. The sample size comprised 3,458 participants and 2,849 adults had at least one of the four signs of AR, i.e. watery-nose, sneezing, nasal obstruction, itchy nose, watery eyes, in the past year, not related to cold/flu. The outcomes of the study were the triggers, pattern, severity and the classification of AR (2016 ARIA guidelines) and coping measures. Descriptive statistics, univariate analytic statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. The P-value was considered statistically significant at <0.05. Results The leading reported trigger of AR was dust (74%, n = 2118), followed by pollen (17%, n = 477), mold (5%, n = 140) and fur (4%, n = 114). The prevalence of intermittent AR was (54%, n = 1,635), while that of persistent AR was (46%, n = 1,314). Almost one-third (34%, n = 959) complained of mild forms of AR, while others complained of moderate to severe forms (66%, n = 1890). The coping measures were mainly shower/humidification 368(12.9%) and herbal hot drinks 266(9.3%). Older participants (adj.OR = 1.3[1.1–1.5]) and overweight participants, (adj.OR = 1.2[1.1–1.4]) reported more persistent forms of rhinitis compared to their counter groups, (adj.P<0.001 and adj.P = 0.032) respectively. Female participants (adj.OR = 0.8[0.7–0.9]) had significantly milder forms of AR, in comparison to males, adj.P = 0.006. Conclusion This study presented the disease characteristics of self-reported AR and its associated factors in Saudi Arabia. Special attention should be paid to older age groups and overweight patients who reported persistent forms of AR. Males reported more severe and persistent forms of AR.

Patterns of allergic rhinitis among adults in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study

“…A study with a similar finding in Jazan city reported that, the peak of age of AR was 22 years old, which constitutes 25.8% [ 6 ]. Also in our study, 62.9% was male and 37.1% was female which is inconsistence with study conducted in Saudi Arabia using electronic survey found more females with AR than males, however this is may be due to selection bias [ 24 ]. It was previously reported that having a parent with AR increased the risk of having AR [ 25 ], while other reported risk factors include exposure to cigarette smoke, obesity, increased blood eosinophils, amplified IgE in the serum, and environmental factors such as environmental exposure in urban areas [ 26 , 27 ].…”

Prevalence and associated factors of respiratory allergies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional investigation, September–December 2020

“…In a European study, prevalence of allergic rhinitis was about 25%, Italy (17%) and Belgium (28.5%) [ 23 ]. While a nationwide online survey in the KSA estimated the prevalence of intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis at 54% and 46% respectively [ 24 ]. These differences in the estimated prevalence of respiratory allergies might be attributable to the variations in season, geography, and population groups covered by these studies.…”

Impact of chronic allergic rhinitis on bite force and electromyographic activity of masseter and temporalis muscles of adult women

“…The male gender develops more severe and persistent forms of allergic rhinitis and the highest frequency is in the female gender (7). It has increased among the population over the years, although many people do not recognize it as a disease and thus do not seek adequate medical care, therefore being underdiagnosed or undertreated (8). It is known that the human organism presents a complex interaction between the static and dynamic structures and the stomatognathic system, in turn, also demonstrates this complexity of functional interaction in order to keep breathing, chewing, swallowing, phonation and suction in Harmony (9,10).…”