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Allergic rhinitis management shows substantial gaps, including low healthcare engagement, poor treatment adherence, and limited use of advanced allergy care.
A real-world study from the Philippines has uncovered important gaps in the management of allergic rhinitis (AR), showing that many patients continue to self-medicate, avoid physician consultation, and fail to consistently follow prescribed treatment plans.
The cross-sectional stratified online survey investigated the health-seeking behaviors and treatment practices of Filipinos experiencing AR symptoms. Researchers included 317 respondents in the final analysis, comprising 213 adults and 104 pediatric patients. Participants were chosen via stratified sampling as per the age group and geographic region, with proportional allocation across the Philippines.
The study found that the majority of respondents (61.83%) were experiencing moderate-severe intermittent AR, indicating a considerable disease burden among surveyed patients. Despite ongoing symptoms, a substantial proportion of subjects were not under regular medical supervision. Notably, 18% of respondents reported that they had never consulted a physician regarding their AR, while 37% said they self-medicated to control symptoms.
When evaluating treatment preferences, 63% of participants stated that they preferred prescribed oral medications, while 48.6% preferred physician-prescribed nasal sprays. Among medications used for AR, oral antihistamines were the most commonly utilized therapy, reported by 68.14% of respondents. Steroid nasal sprays were the second most commonly used treatment, with 34.07% of participants using these agents.
The survey also highlighted poor treatment adherence. Only 45.42% of respondents admitted to being fully compliant with their prescribed medications, suggesting that more than half of patients struggle to maintain regular therapy. Researchers explored factors that could potentially improve adherence. Cost and fewer side effects were each identified by 47.32% of respondents as key factors impacting compliance. Rapid onset of symptom relief was another major consideration, cited by 40.38% of enrolled subjects.
Use of specialized allergy services remained limited. Only 21.14% of respondents had undergone allergen skin testing, while immunotherapy had been received by just 6.62% of patients.
The investigators concluded that many Filipinos with AR either do not seek professional medical care or fail to remain adherent to prescribed therapies even after consultation. They emphasized the requisition for stronger public awareness campaigns, improved patient education, and more effective communication between medical care providers and patients to enhance AR management and clinical outcomes in the Philippine setting.
Asia Pacific Allergy
Real-world patient’s practices in the management of allergic rhinitis in the Philippine setting
Ma Lourdes B Enecilla et al.
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