Evaluation of Quality of Life in Children With Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis (AR), caused by IgE-mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to allergens, affects 20-40% of Europe and the U.S. population, with varying prevalence in other regions. The study investigates the impact of allergic rhinitis (AR) on the quality of life (QOL) in school-aged children. It evaluates the effectiveness of the Pediatric Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) in assessing disease severity and treatment outcomes. It uses the ARIA classification to categorize rhinitis severity. By analyzing QOL scores before and after treatment, the study assesses how well the PRQLQ reflects changes in disease severity and improves understanding of AR’s impact on children’s daily lives. The study used a prospective, longitudinal design to evaluate the impact of allergic rhinitis on children’s QOL before and after treatment. It included 120 children aged between 6-12 years, diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, and assessed using the Pediatric Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) at the start and six weeks after treatment. Data were analyzed for changes in QOL scores across different rhinitis severity groups (via ARIA classification), considering sociodemographic factors and treatment effects. Results showed significant improvements in QOL scores post-treatment across all rhinitis groups. The PRQLQ scores, including subscales for nasal symptoms, eye symptoms, practical issues, and activity limitations, decreased significantly after treatment, indicating improved QOL. The study found that more severe rhinitis led to lower QOL before treatment, but significant improvements were noted in all groups after treatment. The PRQLQ effectively measured these changes and highlighted the substantial impact of allergic rhinitis on school-aged children’s daily lives, underscoring the importance of effective treatment in enhancing their quality of life.
