The impact of allergic rhinitis on sexual activity, sleep, and fatigue

Allergic rhinitis (AR) has been found to impact the daily activities of allergic patients. This includes the effects on sleep and chronic fatigue. The effect of AR on sexual function has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of AR on sexual function, sleep, and fatigue. The Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) is a quality of life (QOL), validated outcomes tool that assesses how AR affects QOL. Specific questions address the adverse consequence on sexual function, sleep, and fatigue. Four subsets of patient with AR who completed the RSDI were evaluated for the specific questions as well as the physical, emotional, functional, and total scores. The scores were compared with a cohort of normal subjects, patients with a diffuse group of rhinologic disorders, and patients scheduled for septal surgery (non-AR patients). Patients with AR had significantly higher (worse) sexual and sleep RSDI scores than the non-AR patients and normal subjects. Although the AR subjects also had significantly higher fatigue RSDI scores than the normal subjects, there was no significant difference between the AR and non-AR patients' fatigue scores. Non-AR patients had significantly higher sexual, sleep, and fatigue RSDI scores than the normal subjects. AR has a significant negative impact on sexual function and can result in. sleep disturbances and fatigue as measured by the RSDI. (Allergy Asthma Proc 30:358-365, 2009; doi: 10.2500/aap.2009.30.3244)