“THE PROPORTION AND PROVOCATING FACTORS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS AMONG PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE”

Dr. Babitha M.*, Aisha Jalaludeen, Nimmi Thomas, Ann Mariam Varghese and Abhishekh Raj

ABSTRACT

Allergic rhinitis is a common respiratory disorder which may prompt the patients to seek medical help. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion and risk factors of Allergic rhinitis. This is a hospital based prospective case control study done at a tertiary care hospital over a period of 6 months. About 150 AR patients were enrolled and analysed. In this study proportion of allergic rhinitis cases per the total population in the specified time period and the risk factors is determined using a specially designed proforma that were filled using patient case records and direct interview of the patient. From our observation it was found that 180 Allergic rhinitis cases came to the ENT outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Majority of the patients had all four classic symptoms of AR- sneezing (100%), nasal discharge (65.3%), nasal itching(52%), and nasal obstruction(62.6%). A large proportion of patients that consulted the physician had moderate-severe AR based on ARIA severity classification. We have also assessed the role of genetics in the development of Allergic rhinitis which shows positive correlation with 60.6% patients having first degree relatives with AR. The quality of life in allergic rhinitis patients were inproved after effective counseling.

Keywords: 1. AR- Allergic Rhinitis 2. ARIA- Allergic Rhinitis And Its Impact On Asthma 3. ENT- Ear, Nose, Throat 4. IgE- Immunoglobin E 5. IL- Interleukine 6. PAR- Perennial Allergic Rhinitis 7. Qol- Quality of Life 8. SAR- Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis 9. URT- Upper