The impact of allergic rhinitis in clinical practice: an Italian Survey

The impact of allergic rhinitis in clinical practice: an Italian Survey

Authors

  • Desiderio Passali International Federation ORL Societies (IFOS)
  • Luisa Maria Bellussi International Federation ORL Societies (IFOS)
  • Valerio Damiani DMG Medical Department, Pomezia (Rome), Italy
  • Francesco Maria Passali ENT Department, University Tor Vergata, Rome
  • Gaetano Motta ENT Department, Univerisity Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
  • Giorgio Ciprandi Allergy Clinic, Casa di Cura Villa Montallegro, Genoa, Italy

Keywords:

allergic rhinitis, Survey, Italy, general population, questionnaire, on the road

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common disorder. The current Survey was conducted on a sample of about 5,000 adult subjects in 5 Italian cities. A questionnaire, containing 15 questions, was administered on the road. AR affects about 20% of the general population. The most common diagnostic test was the skin prick test, but only 12% of patients performed an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis. About 50% of patients did not take any medicine. Even about 40% of treatments were suggested by friends or pharmacists. In conclusion, the current Survey demonstrated that AR is a common disorder in Italy, the diagnostic work-up is still incorrect, and the therapeutic approach does not adhere to the guidelines. Therefore, there is a need to implement adequate information on this topic in Italy.

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Published

17-02-2020

How to Cite

1.
Passali D, Bellussi LM, Damiani V, Passali FM, Motta G, Ciprandi G. The impact of allergic rhinitis in clinical practice: an Italian Survey. Acta Biomed. 2020;91(1-S):19-27. doi:10.23750/abm.v91i1-S.9246