The impact of concomitant allergic rhinitis on asthma control: a cross-sectional nationwide survey in China. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Jiangtao; Su, Nan; Liu, Guoliang; Yin, Kaisheng; Zhou, Xin; Shen, Huahao; Chen, Ping; Chen, Rongchang; Liu, Chuntao; Wu, Changgui; Zhao, Jianping; Lin, Yanping
• Is Part Of: Journal of asthma. Volume 51:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: Asthma -- Periodicals; 616.238005
• DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2013.840789
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-0903

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objectives</italic>: Understanding the interactions between allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma is important for asthma management. This study explored the clinical features of AR as a comorbidity in Chinese asthmatic patients and its impact on asthma control. <italic>Methods</italic>: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 20 051 patients with asthma in an out-patient setting and covered all of the territories of China. The patients were interviewed face-to-face. A standardized questionnaire was completed by each patient. AR was defined according to the ARIA criteria. The level of asthma control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test. A score ≤19 indicated poorly controlled asthma. <italic>Results</italic>: AR was present in 69.9% of patients with asthma. Of them, 72.4% had intermittent symptoms, and 93.1% presented with moderate/severe symptoms. Cold air, irritant air and household mites were the most common triggers for AR. A higher percentage of patients with AR experienced poorly controlled asthma compared with those without AR (56.2% versus 51.5%, <italic>p</italic> < 0.001). AR was associated with an increased risk of poorly controlled asthma [odds ratio (OR): 1.21, <italic>p</italic> < 0.001]. Moderate/severe or persistent symptoms were associated with a higher risk of poorly controlled asthma than those with mild or intermittent symptoms (OR: 2.34 and 1.78, respectively, <italic>p</italic> < 0.001). In contrast, diagnosed AR (OR: 0.84, <italic>p</italic> < 0.001), being currently treated with medication (OR: 0.91, <italic>p</italic> = 0.004) and a prior skin prick test (OR: 0.90, <italic>p</italic> = 0.003) showed a significantly negative association with poorly controlled asthma. <italic>Conclusion</italic>: This study confirms that concomitant AR and asthma are highly prevalent in China and that AR is associated with poor asthma control.</p> </abstract>