The effect of seasonal allergic rhinitis on children and their caregivers

Introduction: Allergic diseases are highly prevalent conditions that have significant social and economic implications. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a common disease characterised by nasal itch and sneezing. It is estimated that the prevalence of SAR in the Australian population is around 41 %. A recent study found that the prevalence of rhinitis in Australian children is among the highest in the world. Despite this there have been no Australian studies performed to assess the impact of SAR on children and their caregivers. Objectives: To assess the impact of SAR on the quality of life of children aged 6 to 12 years, and on caregivers of caring for a child with SAR. Design: A prospective single cohort study was conducted. Participants included children suffering from Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (SAR) and their caregivers who were seen at a single visit. Setting: The study was conducted during the pollen seasons of the years 2003 and 2004. The setting for this "tudy was the Allergy/Immunology and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) outpatient clinics at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for Children in Perth Western Australia. Sample: Sixty children and their caregivers were recruited from the outpatient department of the major paediatric tertiary referral centre for Western Australia. Method: Sixty children and 59 caregivers were recruited between 12 September 2003 and 5 December 2004 (during the pollen season of these years). Children were assessed using the 'Paediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire'. This questionnaire comprised five domains: nose symptoms, eye symptoms, practical problems, impact on daily activities and other symptoms of SAR. Caregivers were assessed using a previously validated questionnaire that assessed the impact of a child's SAR on their lives. This questionnaire also comprised five domains focusing on the impact of caring for a child with SAR on: social activities, routine daily activities, ability to work, ability to be pro