OBJECTIVES: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic condition that can have a considerable impact on people’s lives. The aim of this literature review was to report the burden of AR on adolescents.

METHODS: A literature search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, NHS EED, HTA) was undertaken to identify studies (from 2002 onwards) quantifying symptoms, quality of life (QOL), daily activity, emotional, and educational burden of AR in adolescents (10-­18 years). Results were assessed by two reviewers.

RESULTS: Of 2136 de-duplicated references, 22 remained after initial abstract review and followed by full-text review. One study included parent-reported rather than adolescent-reported data. Studies reported different outcomes, including symptoms (n=5), QOL (n=9), daily activity (n=5), emotional (n=2) and educational (n=7) burden. Nasal congestion and rhinorrhoea were the most bothersome symptoms. In five comparative QOL studies, AR was associated with reduced QOL versus controls. In another study, non-responders to treatment had significantly worse QOL than responders. With respect to symptoms, poor QOL was particularly associated with nasal congestion, nasal pruritus, and ocular symptoms. One study reported items that had most impact on patient’s QOL. A negative impact of AR on daily activities was consistently reported across studies. With respect to emotional function, there was evidence of AR adolescents being unhappy, irritable, tired, frustrated, angry and upset. One comparative study showed higher levels of anxiety and depression versus controls. AR negatively impacted education in adolescents, with studies reporting school absenteeism and reduced productivity. In studies that quantified the impact of AR on examination grades, grades were reduced. One study, however, reported increased school performance in those with AR.

CONCLUSIONS: Although AR can be perceived as a trivial disease, its symptoms can have a detrimental impact on QOL, emotions, education, and daily activities in adolescents. Improved management could potentially reduce this burden.