Over Half of Indian Patients With Nasal Symptoms Have Allergic Rhinitis: Study Finds
India: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is highly prevalent among Indian patients presenting with nasal complaints, with more than half of such individuals testing positive using the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) questionnaire. The findings highlight the importance of early detection and targeted management to address this widespread health problem.
The study, led by Dr. Carlton David Periera from the Department of ENT, Wadia Children's Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, and colleagues, was published in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy. It represents one of the largest in-clinic evaluations of AR prevalence in India, involving patients aged 11 years and above across 19 states and union territories. Conducted between September 2022 and April 2023, the research enrolled 40,001 patients who visited doctors’ clinics and hospitals with nasal symptoms.
To determine AR, the researchers employed the SFAR questionnaire, with scores ≥7 indicating a positive diagnosis. A total of 3358 doctors, including ENT specialists and chest physicians, participated in the multicenter cross-sectional investigation.
The key findings were as follows:
- 53.7% (21,480 patients) met the criteria for allergic rhinitis, reflecting a high prevalence in this clinical population.
- Sneezing was the most common symptom, reported by 69.1% of all patients and nearly 87% of those with allergic rhinitis.
- House dust mite exposure was identified as the leading trigger, affecting 73.8% of patients.
- The burden of nasal symptoms peaked between October and January, indicating a seasonal pattern.
- Allergic rhinitis was more frequent in females and individuals aged 11–40 years.
- Around 50% of patients reported a family history of asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis.
- Only 46% of allergic rhinitis–positive patients had been formally diagnosed by a doctor, and just 31.5% had undergone allergy testing, underscoring underdiagnosis.
- After adjusting for confounders, allergic rhinitis was strongly associated with nasal complaints accompanied by watery, itchy eyes and with a history of physician-diagnosed allergies.
- The authors noted that limited recognition may stem from a lack of standardized in-clinic diagnostic tools, which the SFAR questionnaire aims to address.
The researchers concluded that AR is a significant public health challenge in India. The high in-clinic prevalence suggests a pressing need for increased awareness, early screening, and proactive management. According to the team, the SFAR questionnaire is a reliable, easy-to-use screening instrument that can support timely diagnosis of AR in Indian clinical practice.
The authors emphasized that this dataset provides opportunities for further research into regional variations and risk factors. Expanding the use of SFAR beyond specialty clinics to general practice and community settings could give a clearer picture of the true burden of AR nationwide. Such efforts would not only improve early detection but also guide effective public health planning and strategies for managing allergic rhinitis in India.
Reference:
Periera CD, Warad V, Rodrigues JP, Pandit GS, Gupte V, Thakur GK, Upadhyaya A, Gogtay J. An Indian Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate In-Clinic Allergic Rhinitis Prevalence in Patients Having Nasal Symptoms Using the SFAR Questionnaire. J Asthma Allergy. 2025;18:1239-1251. https://doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S516448
