The Association of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders Among Pediatric Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: A Cross-Sectional Study in a University Hospital

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a common condition in children linked to sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD). Because of nasal congestion, it can cause obstructive sleep apnea, sleep fragmentation, and excessive fatigue. Studies regarding its association with SRBD is limited. Objectives: To determine the association of allergic rhinitis with sleep-related breathing disorders. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study involving pediatric patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis was conducted. Allergic rhinitis severity was evaluated with the ARIA classification. SRBD was identified using the validated Filipino version of the pediatric sleep questionnaire. Potential association between allergic rhinitis and SRBD were assessed using the student’s t-test, Fisher’s exact test and odds ratio. Results: A total of 66 children with mean age 8.2 years were included in the study. The mean age, weight, height, and BMI were comparable among participants who were positive or negative for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Among the perceived problems related to sleeping disorders, snoring loudly, heavy breathing, dry mouth of awakening, not listening, and difficulty organizing showed different responses (p<0.05) among the subgroups of allergic rhinitis. The odds ratio of snoring loudly, not listening, difficulty organizing, heavy breathing, and unfreshened in the morning were more likely among patients with mild persistent allergic rhinitis compared to patients with mild intermittent allergic rhinitis. Conclusion: There was sufficient evidence to prove the association of SRBD with severity of allergic rhinitis using the validated Filipino version of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire. OSA shows a greater likelihood among patients with mild persistent allergic rhinitis compared to those with mild intermittent allergic rhinitis.