The Evaluation initiative: management of rhinitis by Italian otorhinolaryngologists

Rhinitis is a common medical condition characterized by different phenotypes. Allergic (AR) and non-allergic (NAR) rhinitis share common type 2 inflammation. The present Italian educational activity investigated the clinical characteristics and treatments of patients with rhinitis managed by Italian otorhinolaryngologists.

Globally 117 well-matched otorhinolaryngologists attended this educational activity. This initiative consisted of a preliminary questionnaire to participants, one educational webinar, a field training session, and one in-person meeting. Demographic and clinical parameters, and treatments (previous and current) were collected.

The otorhinolaryngologists collected data of 1238 patients with rhinitis (814 with AR and 424 with NAR). Nasal obstruction was the most common symptom, present in 88% of patients. Quality of life was impaired in about 80% of patients. Concomitant presence of nasal obstruction and impaired quality of life was associated with more severe symptoms. Intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) were the preferred treatment for participants. This educational initiative changed participants' attitudes and increased the percentage of INCS prescriptions, mainly for budesonide, and the use of INCS cycles.

The present iterative educational initiative yielded practical insights into the clinical characteristics of patients with type 2 rhinitis. Nasal obstruction and impaired quality of life are common clinical characteristics among patients visited. A close link between inflammation and associated symptoms justifies the frequent use of INCS. In this context, budesonide was perceived as a valuable option in managing AR and NAR patients.