Patients Living with Allergy Symptoms: The Allergies, Immunotherapy,

The AIRS study sought to determine how allergy symptoms affect patients' daily lives, including symptoms experienced, work and activity impairment and level of symptom control. A national sample of 34,030 households using a dual frame composed of a random digit dialing and cell phone sample were targeted. Patients aged ≥5 years with a health care professional diagnosis of hay fever, allergic rhinitis, rhino-conjunctivitis, nasal or eye allergies, and symptoms or medication for condition in past 12 months were surveyed. Survey questions focused on frequency of allergy-related symptoms and their impact on patients' lives. The 2765 survey respondents reported that the worst months for allergy symptoms were April and September. When allergies were at their worst, respondents reporting daily symptoms of the following: 41%, nasal congestion/stuffy nose; 36%, repeated sneezing; 29%, nasal itching; 28%, watery/teary eyes; 26%, red/itchy eyes; 17%, throat itching. Also, 29% reported that their allergy symptoms impacted their daily life a lot, 64% had problems getting to sleep, and 63% were extremely or moderately troubled by lack of a good night's sleep. 35% reported they missed work or school and 22% reported their allergies affected their work or school performance. Majority of respondents reported somewhat controlled symptoms (49%) while 32% reported well-controlled symptoms. Finally, 56% of respondents reported prescription medication use and 76% reported OTC medication use in last 12 months. Despite use of available prescription and OTC medications, patients still appear to experience significant allergy symptoms that impact their daily lives and productivity.