Connaissances et comportements des patients atteints de rhinite allergique lors d’une consultation de premier recours chez le médecin généraliste

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the knowledge and behavior of patients suffering from allergic rhinitis during a General Practitioner (GP) primary care outpatients visit. Patients and methodsObservational survey performed from March to June 2007 using a questionnaire given to patients by GP during an outpatient visit. We note that 4025 patients with allergic rhinitis completed the questionnaire. Demographical data, characteristics of allergic rhinitis (seniority, knowledge of allergens, symptoms), impact on quality of life and therapeutic management data (self-medication, nature and duration of treatment) were collected. ResultsPatients had a mean age equal to 37.1 years and had suffered from allergic rhinitis for 9.4 years; 67.7% of the patients answered they know allergen they are sensitized to, but this knowledge seems incomplete in the field of pollens. The allergens most frequently cited were pollens (51.7%) with 25% grasses and house-dust mites (29.6%); 51.9% of patients complained of difficulty of concentrating at work during several days per month. Sick leave had been prescribed for 17.2% of patients; 67.5% of patients visited a physician for their allergic rhinitis in main motive and 45.6% were already taking treatment: tablets (73.8%), nasal spray (53.5%). The person who prescribed or recommended treatment was a physician (66.4%), a pharmacist (26.3%) or a friend and family (10.8%). Length of prescription was more than 3 months in 61.8%. Taking the treatment was mostly ad hoc in case of inconvenience (44.5%) and for 25% during the period prescribed by the physician. ConclusionsThe management of allergic rhinitis could be improved by a better knowledge of patients about their illness, pollen calendar, regular medical care and responsible self-medication.