BACKGROUND: As many as 80% of patients with asthma suffer from allergic rhinitis 
(AR), and rhinitis symptoms are associated with sleep complaints The aim of this 
cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea 
syndrome risk in patients with asthma and to explore the association between 
comorbid rhinitis and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome risk.
METHODS: Subjects with asthma were recruited by general practitioners during a 
control visit. Physicians compiled a questionnaire that assessed the presence of 
AR according to ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma) guidelines and 
factors influencing the risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome 
(gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, smoking). Subjects completed a 
questionnaire evaluating the presence and severity of AR and the STOP-BANG 
questionnaire (snoring, tiredness during daytime, observed apnea, high blood 
pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference, gender), a validated 
screening method to identify obstructive sleep apnea syndrome risk. Physicians 
were blinded to the subjects' questionnaires, ensuring objectivity of the 
method.
RESULTS: The analyses were conducted on 1,941 subjects (males 58%, mean age 48.2 
± 15.2 y): 740 with asthma alone and 1,201 with asthma and AR. STOP-BANG 
revealed that 52.6% of the subjects were at increased risk of obstructive sleep 
apnea syndrome: 47.3% of subjects with asthma alone and 55.9% of patients with 
asthma and AR. Rhinitis was associated with a 1.44 times higher odds ratio for 
having obstructive sleep apnea syndrome risk. Rhinitis duration and severity 
were associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome risk, although the latter 
deserved greater importance. The results showed that, once a correction for each 
of these factors was performed, subjects with AR with an odds ratio of 1.99 were 
reported to be at risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
CONCLUSIONS: The probable increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is 
associated with the concomitant presence of rhinitis, independent of obesity and 
other contributors to risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.