title: Turkish physicians' perception of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The clinical association of rhinitis and asthma has been recognized for centuries, leading to a current definition of 'one airway, one disease'. Current findings indicate that the optimal treatment of rhinitis might improve coexisting asthma.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate perception of the asthma-rhinitis association and to determine their capability in managing rhinitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants of three national asthma meetings, in 2004, were asked to complete a questionnaire which, aside from demographic queries, elicited responses in order to reflect agreement or not with the given statements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 354 attendees, 220 (62%) responded to the questionnaire. Although over 80% reported good perception of the asthma-rhinitis association, only one-third were examining nasal mucosa of asthmatics, and over 70% believed sinus X-ray, blood eosinophil count, and determination of total serum IgE were required to diagnose allergic rhinitis. Between 20% and 40% of the physicians reported misuse of medications for rhinitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This survey documented that the asthma-rhinitis association is generally recognized by physicians treating asthma in Turkey. However, there are certain training needs in terms of attitude towards examinations and appropriate use of laboratories and medications for rhinitis. Improved understanding/management of rhinitis may contribute to asthma care as well as patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment.
authors.affiliation: Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Unit, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Civelek
authors.forename: O U
authors.initials: OU
authors.lastname: Soyer
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gemicioglu
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Sekerel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010820:Physicians; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy