Patient Perceptions of Allergic Rhinitis and Quality of Life: Findings From a Survey Conducted in Europe and the United States

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common, costly, and troublesome condition, impairing patients' quality of life (QoL), cognitive function, and productivity. Patients with AR report disturbed sleep, fatigue, irritability, and a range of practical problems. However, there is a relative lack of data on how patients with AR perceive their QoL. OBJECTIVE: To better understand how patients perceive AR and their attitudes toward this condition (including QoL) and its treatment options. METHODS: An online and telephone survey of 3635 people identified as having outdoor and indoor allergies, urticaria, and/or pet allergies was performed in 6 countries. RESULTS: The survey confirmed that patients with allergies perceive their symptoms as causing significant disruptions to their daily lives. Respondents were affected for a considerable part of each day, with the most severe symptoms occurring in the morning. The most important desired effect of medication was the restoration of normal breathing, and the most highly rated attributes of the "ideal" AR drug were efficacy, safety, and freedom from undesirable side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The information gathered from allergy sufferers who participated in this survey sheds light on the degree to which people with allergies are affected by their disease and the limitations imposed by associated symptoms.