[Epidemiology of seasonal spring-time allergic rhinitis in adults in France].
OBJECTIVE
Describe the profile of patients consulting a general practitioner or allergologist for seasonal spring-time allergic rhinitis (SAR) in France.


METHODS
3.348 physicians (3.284 general practitioners and 64 allergologists) recruited in 4 monthly episodes from March to June 1998, 34.851 patients consulting for SAR. Using a questionnaire, demographical data concerning the practitioners consulted and all the patients were collected. For 12,420 patients the symptomatology, history of asthma and ongoing treatment for SAR were analysed by comparing the population consulting a general practitioner (A) or an allergologist (B).


RESULTS
Mean age for all patients with suspected SAR was of 37.1 +/- 15.7 years with a majority of women (54.90%). For 1,441 patients, it was the first consultation for this disorder, notably with a general practitioner, (11.1 vs. 2.4%). Aqueous rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal obstruction were the most frequent symptoms noted, without significant difference between the type of practitioner consulted. 5.711 patients had undergone previous allergy tests, with more skin tests in the group consulting an allergologist (78 vs. 44.9%). Association with history of asthma was similar in both groups (30%). Impact on daily life was almost identical, whether isolated or associated with past history of asthma (56 vs. 51.6%), but differed with regard to sleep (56.7 vs. 21.1%). During the consultation, 5.889 patients were already treated with antihistamines (83.2%), whatever the type of practitioner consulted.


CONCLUSIONS
Seasonal spring-time allergic rhinitis is a frequent pathology, which significantly impairs quality of life. There is little difference in patients' profile whether they consult a general practitioner or an allergologist.
Klossek
Jean-Michel
JM
Département ORL et chirurgie cervico-maxillo-faciale, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers. j.m.klossek@chu-poitiers.fr
Gohler
Catherine
C
Vervloet
Daniel
D
Deslandes
Bruno
B
Dufour
Xavier
X
Neukirch
Françoise
F
D000328:Adult; D000486:Allergy and Immunology; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012882:Skin Tests; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012912:Sneezing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires