The impact of allergic rhinitis on work productivity

Abstract

Aim: Patients with allergic rhinitis experience a multitude of symptoms that usually compromise some aspect of lifestyle. However, few data are available that specifically address the impact of allergic rhinitis on work productivity. Methods: A questionnaire was developed and mailed to 2,065 patients enrolled in a 500,000-member managed care organisation. Patients were identified by diagnostic codes for allergic rhinitis as determined by a retrospective examination of medical and prescription claims records from January 1 2000 to December 31 2000. Patients were divided into three different care groups according to whether they were managed by family physicians, by allergists, or were self-managed. Results: Chi-square and analysis of variance tests revealed significant differences among the three care groups (p<0.05) for years with allergies, symptoms, family history, testing, immunotherapy, test value, and prescribed antihistamine use. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sleep, health, certain allergy symptoms and prescribed antihistamines were significantly related to work productivity. Conclusions:The results of this study revealed that the ability of individuals with allergic rhinitis to engage in productive work is influenced by sleep, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), specific symptoms, and prescribed antihistamine use.

The current burden of allergic rhinitis amongst primary care practitioners and its impact on patient management

“…It shows that AR is associated with lost productivity, work absenteeism and 'presenteeism' (being present at work, but not fully functioning), similar to AR sufferers in the general population. [5][6][7][8][9] Over one-quarter of PCPs with AR reported losing an average of six hours of work a week during a typical week of AR symptoms. Yet those who did not miss work also reported detrimental effects on their professional effectiveness during their contact with patients.…”

Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis in the Australian Population: Burden of Disease and Attitudes to Intranasal Corticosteroid Treatment

“…[2][3][4] A number of studies have shown significant consequences of AR/C on emotional well-being, productivity, and cognitive functioning. [5][6][7] Much of this impairment may stem from significant sleep disturbances associated with chronic AR/C. 6 In addition, there is a considerable economic burden that includes both direct costs to patients and indirect costs caused by absenteeism and presenteeism (decreased productivity at work/school).…”

“…[5][6][7] Much of this impairment may stem from significant sleep disturbances associated with chronic AR/C. 6 In addition, there is a considerable economic burden that includes both direct costs to patients and indirect costs caused by absenteeism and presenteeism (decreased productivity at work/school). 8 Intranasal corticosteroids (INCSs) are commonly used medications for patients with AR/C because they address the underlying inflammatory component and relieve all symptoms of AR/C including nasal blockage and ocular symptoms.…”

Sleep Disorders and Chronic Constipation: Relation to Other Co-morbidities?

“…Annual costs to treat allergic rhinitis range from 2 -5 billion in the US [10] with higher costs reported when other comorbidities such as sinusitis and asthma were present [11,12]. Respiratory diseases are known to have a profound negative impact on quality of life [13], health outcomes [14], and contribute to significant losses in work productivity and quality of life [15][16][17][18]. When sleep disorders and respiratory diseases were considered concomitantly, there were repeated observations that sleep disorders, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome were major complaints associated with upper respiratory disease [19][20][21].…”