Volume 26, Issue 125, July 2022

Prevalence, clinical characteristics and allergen sensitization patterns of allergic rhinitis and its impact on daily activities among the general population of Al-Jouf province, Saudi Arabia

Abdullah N Al-Rasheedi¹, Amany A Ghazy^2♦, Reem Bader Almusayyab³, Ola Ali Almajed³, Manar Yahya Aljarid³, Abdulrahman Mohammed S Alabid³, Sultan Hamoud H Alruwaili³, Mona Fahad AL Jarallh³, Abdulmjeed Oqla Alnosair³, Abdulaziz Saud D Alruwaili³

¹ORL-H&N surgery Department, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
²Pathology Department (Microbiology & Immunology unit), College of Medicine, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
³College of Medicine, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia

^♦Corresponding author
Pathology Department (Microbiology & Immunology unit), College of Medicine, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) has a major global health impact on all age groups, with a global increase in its annual morbidity and mortality rate. It is common among children and adults in many regions of Saudi Arabia. In spite of its increasing incidence and its great impact on the family, the precise risk factors and the level of awareness on AR in Aljouf region are still unclear. Methodology: This is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study to identify the common risk factors and their impact on individuals' daily activities. An online questionnaire was disseminated among residents (Saudi and non-Saudi) in Al-Jouf provinces in Saudi Arabia in the period from January to March, 2022. Results: The prevalence of AR among participants was 67.4%, and dust, weather changes, smells, fumes, cold air, perfumes, animal dander, and pollens were the common risk factors. Almost all participants have reported that the manifestations were intermittent (less than 4 weeks, 86.5%), seasonal, and more common during Jumada Al-Thani, Jumada Al-Awwal, Rabi Al-Thani, Rabi Al-Awwal, and Rajab, respectively. Many patients with allergic rhinitis had sleep disturbances, and their daily activities affected. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of AR in Al-jouf region, Saudi Arabia. Thus health education programs are essential to raise community awareness about the risk factors and how to avoid them.

Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, Allergens, clinical characters, Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia

Medical Science, 2022, 26, ms307e2384

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v26i125/ms307e2384

Published: 26 July 2022