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Psychological stress and its relationship with persistent allergic rhinitis
Diaa El Din Mohamed El Hennawi1, Mohamed Rifaat Ahmed2, Alaa Mohamed Farid1
1Otolaryngology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
Summary
Persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) significantly impacts quality of life. Combining levocetirizine with imipramine effectively reduces PAR symptoms and improves patient well-being compared to levocetirizine alone.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Psychiatry
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent condition negatively affecting patients' quality of life.
- A potential link between persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) and psychological stress warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between PAR and psychological stress.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a combined treatment approach for improving PAR symptoms and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- 166 patients with PAR were assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale.
- Patients positive for distress (122) were randomized into two groups: levocetirizine alone (control) or levocetirizine plus imipramine (study).
- Nasal symptoms and quality of life were assessed post-treatment.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of psychological distress (73.5%) was observed in PAR patients.
- The study group (levocetirizine + imipramine) showed significant improvement in nasal symptoms compared to the control group.
- Quality of life scores were substantially higher in the study group (6.93) versus the control group (2.13).
Conclusions:
- Psychological stress is a significant factor exacerbating persistent allergic rhinitis.
- Combined treatment with imipramine and levocetirizine offers a superior therapeutic option for managing PAR and enhancing patient quality of life.
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