2023-05-25 16:13:10
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that affects the well-being and quality of life of many people. In recent decades, the prevalence of hay fever has increased worldwide, and physicians are challenged to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for their patients. A recent survey of 67 pneumologists by DocCheck Insights sheds light on the development of hay fever and the preferred treatment methods.
Survey results: prevalence and age distribution
The results of the survey show that an average of 121 patients are affected by allergic rhinitis. Interestingly, the disease predominates in younger people, with more than half of the patients being under the age of 35 (54%).
In addition, the survey provides insight into changes in the prevalence of hay fever over the past 10 years. According to about two-thirds of the pulmonologists surveyed, the number of patients with allergic rhinitis has increased during this period. For almost a third of doctors, the prevalence has even increased significantly.
Treatment methods and trends
The treatment options for hay fever are diverse and range from topical and systemic antihistamines to cortisone and hyposensitization. The survey shows that systemic antihistamines are the preferred choice of physicians. Topical antihistamines and cortisone follow. Interestingly, hyposensitization has also increased in importance over the past 10 years, with around 75% of physicians reporting a significant increase. The injection variant of hyposensitization is represented twice as often (13%) as the oral variant (7%).
The use of cortisone to treat hay fever has also increased, as reported by around half of the pulmonologists surveyed. This result reflects the growing recognition of the anti-inflammatory effects of cortisone in allergic diseases.
Preventive measures to reduce allergic rhinitis
To prevent allergic rhinitis, pulmonologists recommend their patients and non-affected individuals to avoid allergens, abstain from tobacco use, and make changes in daily routine such as evening showers, wearing an FFP2 mask, and regular nasal irrigation. In addition, the preventive use of antihistamines and hyposensitization is recommended during therapy. It is important to consider individual needs and medical conditions to discuss the most appropriate preventive measures.
Image source: pexels.com
#Hay #fever #rise #current #trends #prevalence #treatment
