Is reliance on self-medication and pharmacy care adequate for rhinitis patients?

Many people with rhinitis choose to self-medicate, frequently relying on pharmacy advice. We have investigated the effectiveness of such a treatment.

To obtain data regarding treatment and outcome of individuals with rhinitis who have not consulted a physician in the past 2 years, a cross-sectional survey was performed. A random sample of the French, German and United Kingdom general population (n = 15,085) was screened, resulting in 818 individuals with rhinitis. Each of these respondents was sent a postal questionnaire.

A total of 610 (74.6%) individuals returned the questionnaire. A sum of 42% (256) respondents described their symptoms as moderate and 5% (31) as severe. Multiple triggers were reported by 442 (72.5%) and 30% of respondents reported sleep disturbance (increased to 44% in sedating antihistamine users) > or = 8 nights/month, resulting in reduced cognition and productivity loss in 14.5%. Individuals stated that they did not attend the physician because their symptoms were too trivial (378 - 63.9%) or over-the-counter (OTC) medication was adequate (341 - 57.6%). Only 217 respondents reported currently taking OTC medication (France 30; Germany 82; UK 105). In all countries, antihistamine was the main treatment taken (non-sedating in 38% and sedating in 23% of subjects). Intranasal corticosteroid use (18 - 8.3%) was mainly in the UK where it is available OTC.

Individuals with rhinitis who do not consult a physician report multiple sensitization, reduced sleep and cognition. Drug utilization appears suboptimal, particularly for those reporting moderate or severe symptoms. Reliance on pharmacy or self-medication may not be adequate for some people.