Associations Between Obesity and the Severity of Occupational Allergic Rhinitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Occupational allergic rhinitis (OAR) is a common respiratory condition that can lead to varying degrees of symptom severity, significantly impacting workers' quality of life and productivity. While occupational risk factors are well established, the influence of nonoccupational factors, such as obesity, that contribute to OAR severity remains largely unexplored.

This study aims to study the association between obesity and the severity of OAR.

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among patients diagnosed with OAR at the Occupational Medicine Department of Farhat Hached University Hospital of Sousse. It combines a retrospective review of medical records (2013-2021) with prospective structured telephone interviews (January-March 2023). Data were collected from medical records and supplemented with telephone interviews. The severity of OAR was assessed via the PAREO score and rhinomanometry results.

A total of 196 patients were included. The mean age was 39.69 ± 7.92 years, with a sex ratio of 0.53. The most frequently reported symptoms were nasal obstruction (78.6%) and sneezing (88.8%). The mean PAREO score was 5.78 ± 1.61, with severe OAR reported in 59.2% of the patients. Obesity was significantly associated with increased severity of OAR symptoms (p < 0.001; OR = 5.4; 95% CI [2.6-11.1]), a finding confirmed after adjustment for variables such as age, sex, and occupational seniority.

Obesity appears to be a modifiable risk factor influencing OAR severity. Integrating weight management strategies into the treatment of OAR patients may contribute to significant symptom relief and improved quality of life. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms involved.