Control of LPR may be an essential component in the successful management of OME in pediatric patients. Pepsin/pepsinogen analysis in effusions of children, using ELISA, can be considered a reliable marker for assessment of reflux in children with OME.

The objectives of this national survey were to evaluate patients' perceptions of the burden of allergic rhinitis (AR) and important attributes of allergy medications. METHODS: A cross-sectional, random-digit-dialing telephone survey of 31,470 US households was conducted to identify adult AR patients. In structured, 35-minute telephone interviews, respondents with AR (ie, patients diagnosed by a physician as having AR and either taking AR medication or had AR symptoms during the past year) were questioned about allergies, severity and frequency of symptoms, and satisfaction with treatment. Additionally, the survey evaluated frequency of symptoms of sinusitis (ie, ear pain/pressure and facial pain/ pressure) in AR patients. RESULTS: Some 2,500 AR sufferers completed the survey. Congestion was the most frequent symptom reported by 60% of patients, and 40% of patients reported it as extremely bothersome; 25% of patients reported headache as extremely bothersome, whereas 16% and 11% of patients, respectively, reported facial pain and ear pain as extremely bothersome; 60% of patients reported sinus problems, and 16% and 15% of patients, respectively, experienced earaches and migraines in the previous week. Patients estimated productivity at 72% on days when allergy symptoms were at their worst versus 95% on days without symptoms; 40% of patient reported that allergies had at least a moderate effect on daily life; 77% of patients said that they adhered to health practitioner advice at least most of the time. CONCLUSION: This survey provided details on patients' perceptions of AR severity and the cost in terms of lost productivity. Headache is frequently reported by AR patients; however, it may be misdiagnosed as migraine and considered unrelated to AR. Symptoms of sinusitis are also reported by AR patients and need to be monitored. SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with AR experience a range of unpleasant side effects that decrease productivity and quality of life. SUPPORT: ALTANA Pharma US.