Objective:This study aims to research the relationship betweeen allergic rhinitis (AR) patients life quality and the PM2.5 concentration. Method:Fifty-two patients with clinically diagnosed AR were enrolled in this study. Patients were asked to fill in the questionnaire about the quality of life of rhinoconjunctivitis (RQLQ) continuously. The concentrations of PM2.5 in their living environment were continuously tested for one month (31 days) and SPSS 19.0 software was used to analyze data through descriptive statistical method, Spearman correlation analysis and nonparametric test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result:There were significant association between PM2.5 and nasal symptoms (r=0.121, P<0.01), daily activities (r=0.146, P<0.01) and practical problems (r=0.099, P<0.01). However, sleep (r=0.059, P=0.051), non-hay fever symptoms (r=0.042, P=0.169), emotion (r=0.042, P=0.168), eye symptoms (r=0.087, P=0.274) and PM2.5 had no statistical significance. AR patients have faced notable differences in genders. The scores of activities, non hay fever symptoms and emotions also showed the difference. Female AR patients have demonstrated the statistical significance with the concentration of PM2.5 among the activity, non hay fever symptoms, practical problems, nasal symptoms and emotions. While the male AR patients existed a statistical significance in the concentration of PM2.5 only between the activity and nasal symptoms. Conclusion:PM2.5 concentration is negatively associated with the life quality of AR patients. The higher concentration of PM2.5, the lower AR patients quality of life they got.
Keywords: particulate matter; rhinitis quality of life questionnaires; rhinitis, allergic.