Allergic rhinitis is often undiagnosed and untreated: results from a general population study of Danish adults

作者：Larsen Christian Gronhoj^*; Gyldenlove Mette; Linneberg Allan

来源：Clinical Respiratory Journal, 2013, 7(4): 354-358.

DOI：10.1111/crj.12015

• allergic rhinitis
• allergy
• undiagnosed
• undertreatment
• prevalence

IntroductionA few earlier studies have indicated that allergic rhinitis (AR) is underdiagnosed and undertreated.
ObjectiveTo assess awareness, diagnosis and treatment of AR in a general population of Danish adults.
MethodsBetween October 2007 and June 2008, a total of 1277 consecutive participants in a Danish general population study of 18- to 69-year olds were skin-prick-tested and asked about respiratory symptoms. AR was defined as a combination of self-reported rhinitis symptoms and skin-prick test reactivity against inhalant allergens. Participants reporting rhinitis symptoms completed an additional questionnaire on medication for rhinitis symptoms.
ResultsThe prevalence of AR was 23.1%. A total of 43.6% (n=122/280) of persons with AR had not received any treatment in the previous 12 months, and only 56.6% (n=163/288) had been given a diagnosis of hay fever by a doctor. Both AR and lower airway symptoms indicating more severe AR were reported in 48.5% (n=143/295). These persons were significantly more likely to having received treatment in previous 12 months and a diagnosis of hay fever.
ConclusionOur results support that even in an affluent country like Denmark, AR is often undiagnosed and untreated. There appears to be a need for increased awareness of AR with regard to both diagnosis and treatment.

• 出版日期2013-10