Keys to successful management of patients with allergic rhinitis: focus on patient confidence, compliance, and satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) convened an expert, multidisciplinary Working Group on Allergic Rhinitis to discuss patients' self-treatment behaviors and how health care providers approach and treat the condition. PROCEDURES AND DATA SOURCES: Co-moderators, who were chosen by the AAOA Board of Directors, were responsible for initial agenda development and selection of presenters and participants, based on their expertise in diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Each presenter performed a literature search from which a presentation was developed, portions of which were utilized in developing this review article.


RESULTS
Allergic rhinitis is a common chronic condition that has a significant negative impact on general health, co-morbid illnesses, productivity, and quality of life. Treatment of allergic rhinitis includes avoidance of allergens, immunotherapy, and/or pharmacotherapy (ie, antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, anti-leukotriene agents, anticholinergics). Despite abundant treatment options, 60% of all allergic rhinitis patients in an Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America survey responded that they are "very interested" in finding a new medication and 25% are "constantly" trying different medications to find one that "works." Those who were dissatisfied also said their health care provider does not understand their allergy treatment needs and does not take their allergy symptoms seriously. Dissatisfaction leads to decreased compliance and an increased reliance on multiple agents and over-the-counter products. Furthermore, a lack of effective communication between health care provider and patient leads to poor disease control, noncompliance, and unhappiness in a significant portion of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care providers must gain a greater understanding of patient expectations to increase medication compliance and patient satisfaction and confidence.
Marple
Bradley F
BF
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX 75390-7208, USA. Bradley.marple@utsouthwestern.edu
Fornadley
John A
JA
Patel
Alpen A
AA
Fineman
Stanley M
SM
Fromer
Leonard
L
Krouse
John H
JH
Lanier
Bobby Q
BQ
Penna
Peter
P
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000485:Allergens; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017048:Health Care Costs; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D019338:Polypharmacy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012651:Self Medication; D014481:United States
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000485:Allergens; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D014663:Nasal Decongestants