Title: A Cross Sectional Study of the Prevalence of Allergic Conjunctivitis in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Dr D Elango DLO, DNB (ENT), Dr V.M Hemlata Katiyar M.S (ENT), Dr Ramya Chelliah M.S (OPH), Dr Vincent Prasanna M.S (ENT), Dr Malathi VK M.S (OPH)
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i1.130
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is common condition affecting 20-30% of the population. This condition affects not only the nose but also the sinuses, ear and eyes in many ways. Though Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is highly prevalent in patients with AR, it is under reported, under diagnosed and under treated condition because most patients (40% according to a study) felt these symptoms as normal and hence did not report. Not many studies can be found in the literature on the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in allergic rhinitis.
Aim: The aim of the study is to calculate the prevalence of AC in patients with AR and to study the impact of the duration and severity of AR on the prevalence of AC.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study including 167 patients attending the ENT OPD of this institute diagnosed as having AR. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of allergic conjunctivitis and the impact of the duration and severity of AR on the prevalence of AC analyzed. Statistical analysis of the results were done using Mann Whitney U test (SPSS ver15).
Results and Conclusion: The prevalence rate of AC in patients with AR was found to be 59.88%. Statistical analysis showed no statistically significant impact of the duration of AR on the presence of AC (p > 0.05).However there is significant correlation between the severity of AR and prevalence of AC (p < 0.05 ). It is suggested that all patients with AR should be evaluated for AC and treatment instituted in time.
Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, Allergic conjunctivitis, Symptom score, Intra nasal steroids, Cobble stone appearance, Polyps
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