Illness perception, mood and coping strategies in allergic rhinitis: are there differences among ARIA classes of severity?

Background: This study was designed to assess if illness perception, mood state and coping strategies differ according to allergic rhinitis (AR) persistence and severity. Methods: Illness perception, mood profiles, coping behaviors and rhinitis symptoms were assessed by means of validated tools inpatients classified according to the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines. Results: Two hundred and thirty-one patients underwent data analysis. No difference in age, sex, socio-economic status, smoking habits was detected comparing patients according to AR severity, duration or 4 ARIA classes. Patients with intermittent AR reported higher scores than those with persistent A…