Economic impact and quality-of-life burden of allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis can be a debilitating condition which, if untreated, can result in considerable health-related and economic consequences. A review of the published literature was conducted, with quantitative/qualitative analysis as appropriate, to explore the direct, indirect, and hidden costs of allergic rhinitis, as well as the quality-of-life burdens that the disease presents to patients and to the healthcare system. Lack of treatment, undertreatment, or nonadherence to treatment in allergic rhinitis were seen to increase direct and indirect costs, reinforcing the need for patient education and for physicians to implement existing evidence-based guidelines for prevention and treatment. It was concluded that greater awareness of the total economic burden of allergic rhinitis should encourage appropriate intervention and ultimately ensure clinically favorable and cost-effective outcomes.

Real‐life effectiveness of MP‐AzeFlu in Irish patients with persistent allergic rhinitis, assessed by visual analogue scale and endoscopy

“…Therefore, it appears that symptom control with MP‐AzeFlu in the real world may be even greater than that found in clinical studies. As AR is associated with a substantial burden on patients’ quality of life,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 the large proportion of patients experiencing full control of their AR symptoms in real‐world studies suggests that treatment with MP‐AzeFlu may also improve patient outcomes.…”

“…Although some differences in data reporting and baseline characteristics were noted, the results of this study are consistent with the findings of the same NIS conducted in Sweden 20. Sleep impairment has been well established as a debilitating symptom associated with AR21, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26; therefore, the improvement in sleep quality with MP‐AzeFlu observed in these real‐world studies has the potential to greatly improve AR patients’ quality of life.…”

Ebastine in allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria

“…Although it is not usually a serious condition, allergic rhinitis has a marked negative effect on patientsÕ quality of life, and can be associated with impaired sleep and reduced performance and productivity (2,3). Very few studies have assessed the costs of managing allergic rhinitis in Europe (13).…”

“…The prevalence of the condition appears to be increasing (1,2), and a number of possible contributory factors have been suggested. These include higher levels of air pollution, increased numbers of dust mites in modern houses with central heating and reduced ventilation, and changes in the pattern of childhood infection (2,11).…”

“…These include higher levels of air pollution, increased numbers of dust mites in modern houses with central heating and reduced ventilation, and changes in the pattern of childhood infection (2,11). The Ôhygiene hypothesisÕ proposes that reduced exposure to allergens and micro-organisms during childhood leads to an underdeveloped immune system and an increased risk of allergic disease (2).…”