The use of nasal over-the-counter agents in the evaluated Polish population. The underrated role of the pharmacist in patient education on medical treatment in patients with allergic rhinitis

INTRODUCTION: The goal of treatment in allergic rhinitis is a complete elimination of symptoms or achieving significant clinical improvement. The role of the pharmacist has been receiving particular attention in terms of the initial diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis patients and their sufficiently early referral to a specialist in case of persistent symptoms. AIM: This study attempted to estimate the rates of nasal OTC use in patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study population was 18,578 subjects (4,192 patients diagnosed with AR and 14,386 healthy controls): children aged 6–7 years, adolescents aged 13–14 years, and adults aged 20–44 years. We used translated and validated versions of ECRHS and ISAAC questionnaires. RESULTS: The rates of nasal decongestant use in the allergic rhinitis group were 60.4% in children, 50.7% in adolescents, and 43.0% in adults, with these figures significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). The most common nasal agent was Oxymetazoline and Xylometazolini hydrochloridum 0.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Over a half of the evaluated allergic rhinitis patients used nasal decongestants, which poses a potential risk of uncontrolled side effects. There is an urgent need to introduce patient education on medical treatment.