The impact and treatment of allergic rhinitis in the Middle East: a comparison with the landmark allergy surveys from other worldwide regions.

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that significantly affects quality of life. It is associated with illness, disability, health care costs, and comorbidities such as asthma.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2011, a series of patient surveys were conducted covering the United States, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. This article compares data regarding disease burden, treatment patterns, and patient expectations in Middle Eastern countries with those from other regions.

RESULTS

The surveys highlighted the relatively low use of intranasal corticosteroids (INCSs), the current "gold standard" treatment for allergic rhinitis. This may be because of side effects, lack of efficacy, or reduced effectiveness over time. A higher proportion of patients in the Middle East reported bothersome side effects of their prescription nasal sprays, and a higher proportion of these patients strongly agreed that there were no truly effective treatments for allergic rhinitis. This suggests that health care practitioners in the Middle East should be encouraged to explain the use of INCSs in greater depth to their patients.

CONCLUSION

There remains an unmet need in the treatment of nasal allergies worldwide. The allergy surveys highlight the key factors in choosing an INCS: fast, complete, and long-lasting symptom relief. There is opportunity for novel INCS treatments that address these needs while reducing troublesome side effects. Patient education must play a central role in treatment decision making, particularly in the Middle East, to achieve higher patient satisfaction.