A Perception-Based Survey on Practice Patterns Pertaining to the Diagnosis and Management of Allergic Rhinitis in...

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Pulmonology
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) prevalence is rising in India, significantly impacting patient quality of life.
• AR frequently co-exists with asthma, presenting a complex clinical challenge.
• Understanding physician perspectives on AR management is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey Indian physicians on their perceptions of AR prevalence and common symptoms.
• To investigate current clinical preferences for AR diagnosis and treatment strategies.
• To assess the utilization of various therapeutic options, including immunotherapy, in AR management.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, observational, digital questionnaire-based survey was conducted.
• The survey involved 1608 physicians across India.
• Data collection occurred between September 2022 and March 2023.

Main Results:

• Physicians estimate AR prevalence between 21-40% in routine practice, with ~40% of cases associated with asthma.
• Fexofenadine (oral antihistamine) and fluticasone furoate (intranasal corticosteroid) are the most preferred medications for mild and moderate-to-severe AR, respectively.
• Combination therapy with montelukast and fexofenadine is favored by most physicians for mild-moderate AR, with reported efficacy of 60-90%. Immunotherapy use was reported by less than half of the physicians.

Conclusions:

• Physician perceptions indicate a high burden of allergic rhinitis in India, often linked with asthma.
• Current clinical practice favors established pharmacological treatments like fexofenadine and fluticasone furoate.
• The survey highlights treatment strategies and identifies a low adoption rate of immunotherapy in AR management.