PREVALENCE AND SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA AND ALLERGIC RHINITIS IN ADULTS WITH CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS IN THE EASTERN REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA

Background: This cross-sectional study explores the prevalence and symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis among adults diagnosed with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Involving 386 participants, the research employs demographic profiling and symptom analysis and explores the interplay of upper and lower airway conditions. This study investigates the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis among 386 adults with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in Eastern Saudi Arabia. Employing a cross-sectional design, participants from King Fahad Specialist Hospital and Jubail General Hospital were selected through random and stratified sampling.

Results: The study reveals a higher prevalence of asthma (40.6%) compared to allergic rhinitis (25.1%), emphasising the need for a comprehensive understanding of these respiratory conditions. Intriguing associations between asthma attacks and specific CRS symptoms, such as chest tightness and waking due to shortness of breath, provide insights into shared pathways. Demographically, higher prevalence is observed among females, individuals with lower educational attainment, and nonsmokers, highlighting socio-demographic influences on respiratory health.

Conclusion: The study discloses a noteworthy prevalence of asthma (40.6%) in comparison to allergic rhinitis (25.1%) among adults with Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Eastern Saudi Arabia. Asthma attacks showcase distinctive associations with specific CRS symptoms, emphasising the intricate interplay of these respiratory conditions. The demographic influences of education and smoking underscore the importance of lifestyle factors. Recommendations for future research include longitudinal studies and clinical validations to enhance the validity and depth of our findings.

背景：本横断面研究聚焦沙特阿拉伯东部地区确诊为慢性鼻-鼻窦炎（Chronic Rhinosinusitis, CRS）的成年群体，探讨其中哮喘与变应性鼻炎（Allergic Rhinitis）的患病率及临床症状。

方法：本研究共纳入386名受试者，采用人口统计学特征分析与症状评估手段，探究上、下呼吸道疾病状态之间的相互关联。本研究针对沙特阿拉伯东部地区386名慢性鼻-鼻窦炎（CRS）成年患者，探讨哮喘与变应性鼻炎的患病率；采用横断面研究设计，通过随机分层抽样从法赫德国王专科医院（King Fahad Specialist Hospital）及朱拜勒综合医院（Jubail General Hospital）招募受试者。

结果：本研究显示，哮喘患病率（40.6%）高于变应性鼻炎（25.1%），凸显了全面认知这类呼吸道疾病的必要性。研究发现哮喘发作与慢性鼻-鼻窦炎的特定症状（如胸闷、因呼吸困难惊醒）存在显著关联，为两类疾病的共同发病通路提供了研究线索。人口统计学分析显示，女性、低学历人群及非吸烟者中上述呼吸道疾病的患病率更高，提示社会人口学因素对呼吸健康存在影响。

结论：本研究证实，沙特阿拉伯东部地区慢性鼻-鼻窦炎成年患者中，哮喘患病率达40.6%，显著高于变应性鼻炎的25.1%。哮喘发作与慢性鼻-鼻窦炎的特定症状存在特异性关联，进一步印证了两类呼吸道疾病之间复杂的相互作用。受教育程度与吸烟情况所体现的人口统计学差异，凸显了生活方式因素在呼吸健康中的重要性。未来研究可开展纵向研究与临床验证，以提升本研究结果的可靠性与研究深度。