Epidemiology of allergic rhinitis in Quebec: from a 2008 population-based survey.

INTRODUCTION Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of symptoms and the proportion of a lifetime physician-based diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR) in the province of Quebec among people aged 15 years and older. METHODS The 2008 Quebec Population Health Survey provided data on the prevalence of symptoms and proportion of lifetime physician-based diagnoses of AR. The prevalence of symptoms was defined as the proportion of individuals who, in the absence of a cold or the flu, had nasal and ocular symptoms in the 12 months before the survey. RESULTS The reported prevalence of AR symptoms was 17%, although 9% did not have a diagnosed condition. Reported prevalence was lowest in those aged 65 years and older (12%) and was more common among women (19%) than men (15%). The estimated prevalence of lifetime physician-based diagnosis was 17%. CONCLUSION AR prevalence is high in Quebec with about 1 in 6 people experiencing symptoms. The condition is underdiagnosed and might also be undertreated.