Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the long-term quality of life (QOL) of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) after receiving immunomodulatory treatment and to observe its impact on rhinitis recurrence, episode duration, happiness index, depression and anxiety scores, and complications. A total of 60 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for AR who visited the outpatient department of our hospital from January to December 2022 were included. Patients were divided into treatment group and control group according to random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The treatment group received immunomodulatory therapy, including allergen immunotherapy and immunomodulators. The control group received conventional treatment, including antihistamines (such as loratadine, 10 mg oral daily) and steroid nasal sprays (such as budesonide, 1-2 times daily, 1-2 sprays per nostril). Basic information and disease severity were recorded 12 months after treatment began, and QOL scores and symptom scores were recorded. Rhinitis recurrences significantly reduced in the treatment group than in the control group (3.05 vs 8.26 times, P < .01). The duration of rhinitis attacks also significantly shortened in the treatment group than in the control group (2.22 vs 5.39 days, P < .01). The average QOL score (80.84 vs 60.85, P < .01) and happiness index (7.85 vs 5.17, P < .01) significantly improved in the treatment group than in the control group. The depression and anxiety scores of the treatment group (5.29 and 4.18, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the control group (8.42 and 7.79, respectively) (P < .01). The complication rate significantly reduced in the treatment group (3.5%) than that in the control group (8.2%) (P < .01). The long-term QOL of patients with AR improved after receiving immunomodulatory treatment. Rhinitis recurrences were decreased, duration of attacks was shortened, patient's happiness index was improved, depression and anxiety symptoms were alleviated, and incidence of complications was reduced. Therefore, immunomodulatory therapy has a positive long-term effect on the QOL of patients with AR.