Patient characteristics in German allergological practices – a nationwide survey

Introduction: In Western societies a significant incidence and prevalence of allergic asthma and other allergic diseases is observable. The present study investigated epidemiological patterns of allergic diseases and the utilization of health care resources by subjects who are already under specialized allergological treatment. Furthermore the study was performed to identify factors which had a significant impact on accessibility to specific immunotherapy (SIT). Methods: The study was based on a cross-sectional survey on patient characteristics, which was performed by participating physicians, who were specialized in the field of allergological disorders and SIT, in collaboration with their patients. The analysis of data was divided into descriptive analyses and an analytical part, in which influencing factors for accessibility to specific immunotherapy were investigated. Logistic regression models to identify several predictor variables were used. Results: 495 physicians documented the data of 19,990 patients. 18,177 patients were included in the analyses. Patients had a mean age of 31.5 ± 15.5 years and 53.2% were female. The most frequent and most severe allergic disorders observable in German allergological practices were conjunctivitis and rhinitis. The seasonal symptoms occurred mainly during March to August, while seasonal disease manifestation was 2.5 times more frequent than perennial forms. The most received anti-symptomatic medications are antihistamines and corticosteroids. Patients who receive SIT were mainly treated using subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) – only in lower age groups, the likelihood of receiving sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) was increased. Conclusion: In Germany, conjunctivitis and rhinitis are the most severe allergic disorders in allergological practices. Compared to the German general patient population, people who were already in allergological treatment had better access to SIT.