Atopic Markers and Score For Allergic Rhinitis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by chronic nasal inflammation that may contribute to upper airway dysfunction and, in turn, influence obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). However, the nature of this relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate AR prevalence, atopic markers, and Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) in patients with and without OSAS. METHODS: Patients presenting with sleep-related complaints underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including polysomnography (PSG), clinical examination, and focused history. AR was assessed using clinical evaluation, the SFAR questionnaire, and atopic markers. Participants were categorized into OSAS (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI] ≥5) and non-OSAS (AHI <5) groups. RESULTS: Among 54 participants (36 males, 18 females; aged 18–65 years), 34 (63%) had OSAS. AR was identified in 21 OSAS patients (61.7%) and 11 non-OSAS subjects (55%; p=0.63). Mean SFAR scores were significantly higher in the OSAS group compared to controls (9.47±2.30 vs. 5.30±2.68; p<0.001). Elevated total IgE (>100 kU/L) was observed in 41.1% of OSAS patients and 40% of controls, while eosinophilia (>0.45 K/μL) was present in 29.4% and 20%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with OSAS demonstrated significantly higher SFAR scores than controls, despite similar AR prevalence and atopic marker distributions. These findings suggest that AR-related symptom burden may be more pronounced in individuals with OSAS. Routine assessment of allergic symptoms using validated tools such as SFAR may provide additional clinical insight in patients presenting with sleep-disordered breathing.