Psychological Factors That Influence Severity of Allergic Rhinitis

Influence of Immunological and Psychological Factors on Perceived Severity of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Caused by Grass Pollen

Objective biomarker of allergic rhinitis severity is necessary for monitoring disease severity and response to treatment in clinical setting and for research. We believe that psychological factors are the missing link between patient-perceived severity of allergic rhinitis and objective biomarkers. In our pilot study, several psychological factors were studied in relation to patient reported outcomes for severity of allergic rhinitis.

Monitoring allergic rhinitis (AR) severity with objective biomarkers is important for the clinical management of patients as well as for research purposes. The most commonly used tool for the assessment of AR severity is the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS). Objective biomarkers like skin prick test size or specific IgE levels don't correlate with TNSS.

We studied skin prick test size and specific IgE and several patient reported outcomes including symptom score, medication scores, combined score and Juniper mini rhinitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ). Psychometric evaluation was performed using 5 different psychological questionnaires that measure 13 different psychological factors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• positive grass pollen skin prick test (SPT) with a wheal diameter >3mm and a history of allergic rhinitis during the grass pollen seasons

Exclusion Criteria:

• positive skin prick test for perennial allergens and allergens with potentially overlapping seasons including cypress, ash/olive, plane, and nettle families