Clinical characteristics and management of allergic rhinitis in patients with obstructive apnea hypopnea sleep syndrome

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Allergic rhinitis poses a significant challenge for patients with sleep apnea who require ventilation, often receiving insufficient attention. <bold>Objective:</bold> To assess the characteristics of allergic rhinitis in individuals requiring ventilation before and after receiving therapeutic education. <bold>Methods:</bold> Prospective study focused on patients diagnosed with sleep apnea syndrome and co-existing allergic rhinitis. Adherence to rhinitis treatment, allergen avoidance, and ventilatory support were evaluated using an analog visual scale. Data collection occurred both before and after patients underwent therapeutic education about rhinitis. <bold>Results:</bold> Records from 71 patients were collected, with an average age of 61.29 ± 10.22 years. Rhinitis symptoms ranged from moderate to severe in 35.29% of cases, with an average nasal discomfort score of 6.64 ± 0.99. The PAREO score exceeded 2 in 58.82% of patients. Allergen avoidance was neglected in 76.47% of cases, while adherence to rhinitis medication was moderate in 35.29%. Regarding nocturnal ventilatory support adherence, 41.17% were classified as poor, with less than 4 hours of usage per night in 35.29% of cases. Following therapeutic education, rhinitis severity decreased to mild in 82.35% of patients, with a PAREO score ≤ 2 in the same percentage. Overall nasal discomfort averaged 5.11 ± 1.16. Adherence to drug therapy improved to 70.58%, and allergen avoidance increased to 58.82%. Ventilatory support adherence improved, with over 4 hours of usage reported in 64.70% of cases. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Rhinitis poses a significant challenge in ventilated patients, but effective management becomes feasible with adequate patient education about the condition.