Allergic rhinitis: impact on quality of life of adolescents

One of the faster phases of human development is adolescence, with biological maturity anteceding psychosocial maturity. 15% of young people between 13 and 14 years old suffer from allergic rhinitis, double that of those with 6-7 years old. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is higher in boys up to 10 years old. It reverses to girls having a higher prevalence during adolescence, and by adulthood, there are no differences in prevalence between genders.

Changes that occur in adolescence have health consequences over the life-course and impact the quality of life. Allergic rhinitis has a significant impact on the quality of life of adolescents and their parents: most antihistamines have sedating effects, school absences, and lower performance due to distraction, fatigue, and irritability. It also has a negative impact on the parents, who may become anxious, overprotective, and need to miss work.

Digital technology is the way to help an original approach to characterize allergic rhinitis signs and symptoms, as well as their connection with other allergic conditions. The treatment’s achievement lies in the partnership between teenagers with allergic rhinitis and mobile technology, letting them have more information available on the disease and its treatment.

In conclusion, there is some knowledge on challenges adolescents with asthma face, but some information lacks allergic rhinitis challenges.