Current Allergic Rhinitis Experiences Survey (CARES): Consumers' awareness, attitudes and practices

Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects ~60 million people in the United States. This study evaluates awareness, attitudes, and behaviors of AR sufferers on the management of their condition. This U.S.-based survey evaluated 1600 adult AR sufferers to assess their perceptions of AR diagnosis, treatment preferences, and interactions with health care practitioners (HCPs). Two consumer groups of AR sufferers were assessed: users of over-the-counter (OTC) medications only (n = 1020) and users of prescription (Rx) ± OTC medications (n = 580). The Rx group included 451 intranasal steroid (INS) users. Eighty-two percent of respondents indicated that they require minimal to no HCP guidance to manage AR; 51% had not visited an HCP in the past 2 years. Eighty-six percent of respondents agreed that they can self-recognize AR symptoms, and 69% suspected allergies before diagnosis. On suspecting nasal allergies, 52% of sufferers purchased an OTC medication. Seventy-two percent of AR sufferers said they are likely to go to an HCP if symptoms persist after they tried multiple OTC options. Rx users perceived INSs to be more beneficial in treating AR and showed a high level of satisfaction (a score of 7.4 out of 10). Forty-eight percent of AR sufferers felt the need for more efficacious OTC medications to better manage their AR symptoms. This study indicated that AR sufferers perceive that they self-recognize AR symptoms and initiate their management with OTC options. The availability of OTC medications did not deter AR sufferers from visiting HCPs for advice when symptoms worsen. Nonetheless, more efficacious OTC options are still desired.