Abstract
IntroductionAsthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) are chronic respiratory diseases of a united airway. Poor AR control is a risk factor for uncontrolled asthma. We know that people with AR feel confident in making their own treatment choices with over-the-counter therapies, yet only 16% of purchases were the optimal selection. With the high level of poor asthma control and overuse of over-the-counter, short-acting beta-agonists, we must consider whether poor AR self-management behaviours are extended to asthma management in those with both diseases. This study aims to investigate asthma management from the perspective of the patient with asthma and AR and understand the influences behind their asthma management decisions.MethodsThis study utilized a mixed methods approach based on the theoretical and analytical framework of social network theory, including mapping of the asthma network and exploring the roles and influence of those that appear within the network.ResultsTwenty-two people with asthma and allergic rhinitis participated in this study. General practitioners (GPs), pharmacists and respiratory physicians were the most commonly reported influences behind participants’ asthma management decisions. Although non-healthcare professional (HCP) influences appear within the asthma network, they represented a smaller proportion.ConclusionThe asthma network of people with AR is dominated by HCP influences. This network is unique and different to other previously published asthma and AR networks. Further research on the impact of AR on asthma management patient behaviour is required.Electronic Supplementary MaterialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s41030-019-0095-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) are chronic respiratory diseases of a united airway
This study has identified the asthma network map in people with co-morbid AR and demonstrated that healthcare professional (HCP), led by the General practitioners (GPs), represented the majority of the influences with respect to the patient’s asthma decision-making
People with asthma and AR reported a broad range of roles for HCPs in their asthma network
Summary
Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) are chronic respiratory diseases of a united airway. Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) are chronic respiratory diseases of a united airway [1,2,3,4] that present a significant clinical and socioeconomic burden on society, ranging from increased utilization of health resources to impairment in workplace productivity [5,6,7,8,9,10]. Ninety per cent of the patients reviewed reported nasal symptoms, yet only 45.6% had received a diagnosis and 67.3% of the people with moderate–severe rhinitis were not using the recommended intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) therapy [20]. If we are to improve asthma control, we must understand why such a large proportion of people do not report and treat their nasal symptoms while they are seeking asthma treatment
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