The Association Between Rhinitis Subtypes and Migraine: A Comparative Clinical Study

This cross-sectional analysis aimed to determine and compare the prevalence, severity, and associated disability of migraine in individuals with allergic rhinitis (AR), non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), and healthy controls.

In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 497 participants were enrolled: 200 with AR, 109 with NAR, and 188 controls. All participants underwent detailed assessment using the Total Rhinoconjunctivitis Score (TRS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, and were evaluated by a neurologist. Migraine was diagnosed according to ICHD-3 criteria. Migraine-related disability and impact were measured using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6).

The prevalence of migraine was significantly higher in the combined rhinitis group (24.9%) compared to controls (16.0%) (OR = 1.75, p = 0.018). When analysed separately, the AR group had the highest migraine prevalence (26.0%), followed by the NAR group (22.9%). Patients with AR and migraine exhibited significantly higher MIDAS and HIT-6 scores than controls and those with NAR (p < 0.05), indicating greater disability. Both AR and NAR groups had significantly worse TRS and NOSE scores than controls (p < 0.001).

Rhinitis, particularly the allergic subtype, is significantly associated with a higher prevalence and greater severity of migraine. These findings highlight the importance of integrated management of nasal and headache symptoms.