IASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY (1999) 17: 163-167 Quality of Life of Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: Preliminary Validation of the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire in Singapore

The RQLQ was published in 1991 3 and validated in a pro­ spective two-arm treatment-based study of seasonal allergic rhinitis. The items in the questionnaire were reported by patients themselves to be important and to occur fre­ quently. Using 28 questions or SUMMARY Though sufferers of perennial allergic rhinitis do not die from their ailment, they endure years of chronic nose disease that Interferes with many important aspects of their lives. A rhlnltis-specific instrument to gauge the quality of life of patients with this disease was published in 1991. Here, we validated the Rhlnoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) for use in English-speaking patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. We established that the RQLQ distinguishes between patients and control, demonstrates internal consistency and is sensitive to change. This study suggests that the RQLQ can be used to assess the quality of life of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis in Singapore.