Preliminary study on a perspective at quality of life in elderly patients with allergic airways diseases during COVID 19 pandemics

Abstract

Abstract: 

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis consists in inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa mediated by IgE. It is a high prevalence, chronic disease, has a representative economic burden and alters quality of life. Aims: The aim of this survey is to understand aspects concerning the attitudes and perceptions of older patients about allergic respiratory symptoms, and try to understand if these affect the needs of adults at achieving high quality of life. Materials and methods: It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study based on the Quality of Life Questionnaire in Rhinoconjunctivitis and Allergic Rhinitis.  Patients of both sexes between 60 and 85 years old were incorporated at random consecutively fashion.  Before completing the questionnaire they gave their written consent. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee. Data was analyzed with Infostat 2018 with p<0.05 significant. Results: 17 questionnaires were conducted with 10 women (59%) and 7 men (41%) average age 71 years. We observed that aqueous rhinorrhea was the most frequent symptom (76.47%). Ocular pruritus occurred in 58.82%. 70.58% of the patients indicated that they had to interrupt their activity because of allergic rhinitis, 47% indicated a lack of concentration in the activity, 70.58% have woken up or got up at night, 41.17% felt afraid of not having their medication within reach, 88.23% of patients said they have been bothered by sudden changes in temperature, 58.82% have woken up tired or weary. 52.94% stated that their health is good; regular 17.64%; very good 23.52%; and 5.88% is excellent. Conclusion: Although patients with these symptoms are self-perceived as healthy, it is important to outline how these affect their quality of life. It is imperative to administer effective treatments in the control of symptoms.