Many nasal allergy sufferers don't have control over symptoms

SAN FRANCISCO — Less than 20% of surveyed patients with nasal allergies find their symptoms are completely controlled over a one-week period of treatment, according to a survey performed by drug maker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.

The Nasal Allergy Survey Assessing Limitations, results of which subsidiary Teva Respiratory presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in San Francisco Monday, found that nasal congestion, post-nasal drip and repeated sneezing continue to be the most frequently reported nasal allergy symptoms among patients, in addition to emotional problems like feeling tired and miserable, as well as lost productivity at work.

“It’s clear from the NASL 2010 findings that the estimated 60 million people living with allergic rhinitis in the U.S. are still significantly affected, both physically and emotionally, by symptoms,” Gary Gross of the Dallas Allergy & Asthma Center said in a statement on behalf of Teva. “This is a continuing trend we’re seeing in patients having allergic rhinitis as these findings are similar to those released in a past survey evaluating disease burden on patients.”

The study interviewed during May and June 2010 a national sample of 400 adults diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, nasal allergies or hay fever who had experienced nasal allergy symptoms or taken medication for their condition in the past 12 months. A parallel survey of 522 adults sampled by random digit dialing also was conducted, yielding a sample of 400 without nasal allergies. Two hundred physicians and 50 nurse practitioners and physicians assistants also were interviewed.