An Indian Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate In-Clinic Allergic Rhinitis Prevalence in Patients Having Nasal Symptoms Using the SFAR Questionnaire.

PURPOSE

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health concern caused by allergen exposure. This Indian study utilized the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of AR among patients with nasal symptoms visiting doctors' clinics/hospitals.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multicenter, cross-sectional study assessed AR using the SFAR questionnaire in patients with nasal symptoms visiting doctors' clinics/hospitals. It included patients aged ≥11 years across 19 states/union territories of India from September 2022 to April 2023. The score was digitally calculated using the Kribado device, with a score of ≥7 indicating the presence of AR. Patient-reported data covered demographics, seasonal patterns, symptoms, allergens/triggers, and prevalence. Associations among various risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

This study involved 3358 doctors, including ENT surgeons and chest physicians, and 40,001 patients across India. Among all patients, 53.7% (n=21,480) had SFAR scores ≥7. Sneezing was the most common symptom, reported by 69.1% of patients overall and 86.8% in the AR+ subgroup. House dust mites were the most prevalent allergens, affecting 73.8% of patients. Nose-related issues peaked from October to January. Half of the patients had a family history of asthma, eczema, or AR. In the AR+ subgroup, only 46% were diagnosed with allergies by a doctor, and 31.5% underwent allergy testing. After adjusting for variables, AR was significantly linked to nasal symptoms, including itchy and watery eyes, and a history of doctor-diagnosed allergies.

CONCLUSION

The in-clinic prevalence of AR in patients with nasal symptoms, as indicated by the SFAR questionnaire, is substantially high in India. A positive family history, indoor dust exposure, nasal symptoms, the months of October to January, and females were strongly linked to AR in Indian patients. The SFAR score is an effective in-clinic screening tool to support early AR diagnosis and management in India.