D3.473 - Symptom burden and sensitization patterns in allergic rhinitis: real-world data

 Allergic rhinitis (AR) represents a significant burden in routine clinical practice. The visual analogue scale (VAS) is a simple and validated tool for assessing symptom severity, while skin prick testing (SPT) allows identification of clinically relevant sensitization patterns. The objective of this study was to evaluate symptom severity, treatment patterns, sensitization profiles, and associated allergic conditions in patients with allergic rhinitis in a real-world outpatient setting. 

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis in a private outpatient allergy clinic. Symptom severity at presentation was assessed using a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS). Uncontrolled disease was defined as VAS >5, according to ARIA recommendations. All patients underwent skin prick testing to a standard aeroallergen panel. Demographic characteristics, clinical phenotype (seasonal or perennial), symptom severity, sensitization patterns, associated allergic conditions, and treatment recommendation were recorded at the initial outpatient visit.

Thirty-two patients were included (59.4% female), with a median age of 38 years (range 4–69). Perennial allergic rhinitis was observed in 65.6% of patients, while 34.4% had seasonal disease. The median VAS score was 5 (range 3–9), and 43.8% of patients presented with uncontrolled symptoms (VAS >5). At presentation, pharmacological treatment was recomended, most frequently as a combination of antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids   (37.5%) followed by  intranasal corticosteroids alone (28,1%), and antihistamines alone (28,1%). Skin prick testing revealed polysensitization in 62.5% of patients and monosensitization in 37.5%. Sensitization to pollens and house dust mites was observed in 62.5% of patients each, while sensitization to epithelia and moulds was present in 12.5% and 9.4%, respectively. Associated allergic conditions were documented in 34.4% of patients, most commonly urticaria and asthma. 

In this real-world outpatient cohort, patients with allergic rhinitis presented with predominantly moderate to severe symptoms, highlighting the importance of structured symptom assessment and appropriate pharmacological management.   The combined use of visual analogue scale and skin prick testing provides a practical approach to assess disease burden and sensitization patterns, supporting individualized management in clinical practice.