Correlation between symptom severity and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common immunoglobulin-E (IgE)-mediated inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa triggered by environmental allergens. Although generally considered a non-life-threatening disorder, AR significantly impairs daily functioning and quality of life (QoL). This study investigated the relationship between symptom severity and QoL in patients with AR. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a 12-month period from July 2024 to July 2025 in the outpatient clinics of the Department of ENT, Sirajganj 250 Bedded General Hospital, Sirajganj, Bangladesh. A total of 450 adults with clinician-confirmed AR were enrolled. Symptom severity was assessed using the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), and QoL was measured using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). Correlation analyses, and multivariate regression were performed. Results: The mean TNSS was 11.6 ± 1.70 (range 0-12); the mean RQLQ overall score was 3.1 ± 1.2 (range 0.5-6.7). A strong positive correlation was observed between TNSS and RQLQ overall score (Spearman’s ρ = 0.72, p< 0.001). Eye symptoms and sleep impairment subdomains of RQLQ were particularly associated with high TNSS. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed symptom severity as an independent predictor of poorer QoL (β = 0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.91; p< 0.001). Conclusion: Higher symptom severity in AR is strongly associated with lower quality of life. Effective symptom control strategies are essential to improve patient-centered outcomes. Interventions that reduce symptom burden could therefore enhance quality of life significantly. This underscores the need for personalized management strategies in AR care.