Abstract:

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is the most common respiratory disorder globally. It constitutes a public health problem with a prevalence of 10% - 40%. The trend is increasing, affecting 19% of the general population in Europe, 8.8% -16% in the United State of America (USA), 30.4% to 38.5% in Southern Africa and 40% in North Africa also in Tanzania is 14.7% at BMC and 10.3% at Muhimbili. Asthma and rhinitis are often co-morbid conditions. This coexistence results in severe clinical presentations and higher treatment costs. Treatment of rhinitis may improve asthma control, and early treatment of allergies may prevent the development of asthma.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among asthmatic patients attending ENT and chest clinics BMC.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 193 patients with physician-diagnosed asthma, attending ENT and chest clinics at BMC. This study was done over a three-month period between June and August; 2019. Consecutive enrolment was used until sample size was achieved after obtaining informed consent from the patient. Data was collected using a pre-tested coded questionnaire and entry, cleaning and analysis was done by SPSS version 20.

Results: 193 Patients with asthma were recruited, giving a participation rate of 100%; 81(42%) were male and 112 (58%) were female. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis among asthma patients was 68.9%. Common between the age of 26 and 35 about (63%) and having associated history of itchy watery eyes (62.7%) were risk factors for AR among asthmatics. However, presence of other allergic conditions, place of residence urban (81.9%), second hand smoking (69.4%), and family history of allergens (53.9%) predicted AR among asthmatic patient.

Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of allergic rhinitis among asthma patients. We therefore propose increased vigilance in assessing asthma for allergic rhinitis.