Allergic Rhinitis in Children with Asthma: A Questionnaire Based Study in Lebanon

ABSTRACT Introduction: Allergic rhinitis and asthma frequently coexist but has rarely been evaluated in Lebanese children. Aim: This prospective study aimed to estimate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children in Lebanon, and to ascertain whether allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for the severity of asthma. Patients and Methods: Parents of 124 children aged 1-13 years admitted to the pediatric floor of the Makassed General Hospital between July 2008 and March 2009 and diagnosed as having asthma; parents were interviewed and followed up with a questionnaire concerning allergic rhinitis symptoms and signs with para-clinical data if available. The questionnaire was based on a study done in France by Hammouda et al. (2005). This was modified from an adult score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR). Results: This well recognized score defines the association of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children. A score of  9 out of 17 total score corresponds to the presence of allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was recognized in 67 patients out of 124 (54%). This prevalence was evident mainly in the age group 3-5 years. Original Research Article