The International Study of the Allergic Rhinitis Survey: outcomes from 4 geographical regions
10.5415/apallergy.2018.8.e7
- Author:
Desiderio PASSALI
1
;
Cemal CINGI
;
Paola STAFFA
;
Francesco PASSALI
;
Nuray Bayar MULUK
;
Maria Luisa BELLUSSI
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Allergic rhinitis;
Allergens;
Treatment;
Allergen specific immunotherapy;
Sublingual immunotherapy;
Subcutaneous immunotherapy
- MeSH:
Adolescent;
Adrenal Cortex Hormones;
Africa;
Allergens;
Americas;
Animals;
Asthma;
Child;
Comorbidity;
Conjunctivitis;
Cross-Sectional Studies;
Dander;
Diagnosis;
Epidemiology;
Estrogens, Conjugated (USP);
Europe;
Global Health;
Humans;
Immunotherapy;
Mites;
Pollen;
Prevalence;
Pruritus;
Rhinitis, Allergic;
Seasons;
Sinusitis;
Sneezing;
Sublingual Immunotherapy;
Young Adult
- From:
Asia Pacific Allergy
2018;8(1):e7-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem and is characterised by one or more symptoms, including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the features of AR and the physician's approach to the management of AR patients in four geographical regions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey concerning AR was completed by Honorary and Corresponding Members of the Italian Society of Rhinology from different countries among 4 world geographical regions—Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. RESULTS: The prevalence of AR was reported to be 15%–25%. Children and adolescents, as well as young adults, were the age groups more affected by AR with comorbidities of asthma, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and nasal polyposis. Nasal symptoms of AR were more intense in the spring (51.92%) and autumn (28.85%). The most common aero-allergens were pollen and mites (67.31%), animal dander and pollutants (23.08%), and fungal allergens (21.15%). Allergen-specific immunotherapy was prescribed for both perennial and seasonal allergens (32.69%) via sublingual swallow (46.15%) and subcutaneous (32.69%) routes. For the AR patients, the most prescribed drugs were intranasal corticosteroids (86.54%) and oral H₁-antihistamines (82.69%). CONCLUSION: A network of experts can improve our knowledge concerning AR epidemiology, and together with guidelines, could assist practitioners and otolaryngologists in standardising the diagnosis and treatment of AR.
