Illness perception, mood and coping strategies in allergic rhinitis: Are there differences among ARIA classes of severity?

Background: This study was designed to assess if illness perception, mood state and coping strategies differ according to allergic rhinitis (AR) persistence and severity. Methods: Illness perception, mood profiles, coping behaviors and rhinitis symptoms were assessed by means of validated tools in patients classified according to ARIA guidelines. Results: Two hundred and thirty-one patients underwent data analysis. No difference in age, sex, socio-economic status, smoking habits was detected comparing patients according to AR severity, duration or 4 ARIA classes. Patients with intermittent AR reported higher scores than those with persistent AR in confusion-bewilderment of POMS; patients with moderate/severe rhinitis had significantly higher scores than those with mild rhinitis in T5SS, Identity and Consequences. No differences were detected in all assessed outcomes in the 4 ARIA classes. Conclusions: The patient's perspective about AR is independent of persistence and severity of symptoms. This may explain why AR remains under-diagnosed and under-treated, even in its most severe forms. Self-management plans should consider the patient's perspective.