Abstract
Rhinitis has been demonstrated to impose a significant disease burden upon the general
population. We sought to determine the prevalence of rhinitis in athletes; to investigate
its relationship with co-existing allergic symptoms; and to quantify the impact of
rhinitis on quality of life in the athlete.
3 subgroups were studied: elite field hockey players (FHP); non-elite FHP; and a sedentary
control group.
Participants were asked to complete a rhinitis self-report questionnaire; the “Allergic
Questionnaire for Athletes” (AQUA), and quality of life Sinonasal Outcome Test – 22
(SNOT-22).
142 participants completed the study (52 elite FHP; 40 non-elite FHP; 50 controls).
There was a significantly higher prevalence of rhinitis in the elite and non-elite
FHP groups than the sedentary control group (52% and 43% vs. 22%, p<0.05). Mean AQUA
score was significantly higher in athletes with rhinitis. Quality of life scores were
significantly worse in athletes with rhinitis than those without rhinitis (p<0.05).
This study suggests regular exercise is associated with a significant increase in
the prevalence of rhinitis. Elite FHP were most likely to report rhinitis, but the
least likely to be using regular treatment. Quality of life was negatively affected,
confirming the importance of nasal health to athlete welfare.
Key words
rhinitis - athlete - exercise - allergy
