Is reliance on self-medication and pharmacy care adequate for rhinitis patients?
BACKGROUND
Many people with rhinitis choose to self-medicate, frequently relying on pharmacy advice. We have investigated the effectiveness of such a treatment.


METHODS
To obtain data regarding treatment and outcome of individuals with rhinitis who have not consulted a physician in the past 2 years, a cross-sectional survey was performed. A random sample of the French, German and United Kingdom general population (n = 15,085) was screened, resulting in 818 individuals with rhinitis. Each of these respondents was sent a postal questionnaire.


RESULTS
A total of 610 (74.6%) individuals returned the questionnaire. A sum of 42% (256) respondents described their symptoms as moderate and 5% (31) as severe. Multiple triggers were reported by 442 (72.5%) and 30% of respondents reported sleep disturbance (increased to 44% in sedating antihistamine users) > or = 8 nights/month, resulting in reduced cognition and productivity loss in 14.5%. Individuals stated that they did not attend the physician because their symptoms were too trivial (378 - 63.9%) or over-the-counter (OTC) medication was adequate (341 - 57.6%). Only 217 respondents reported currently taking OTC medication (France 30; Germany 82; UK 105). In all countries, antihistamine was the main treatment taken (non-sedating in 38% and sedating in 23% of subjects). Intranasal corticosteroid use (18 - 8.3%) was mainly in the UK where it is available OTC.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with rhinitis who do not consult a physician report multiple sensitization, reduced sleep and cognition. Drug utilization appears suboptimal, particularly for those reporting moderate or severe symptoms. Reliance on pharmacy or self-medication may not be adequate for some people.
Williams
A
A
Global Health Outcomes, GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, UK. awilliams42@sky.com
Scadding
G
G
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000592:standards*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D011788:Quality of Life; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012651:Self Medication / Q000592:standards*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs