Bangkok--Jul 14--MSD (Thailand)
Asthma Symptoms Get Worse When Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms Act Up Patients Avoid Going Outside in Allergy Season
A new international survey conducted in eight countries across Europe and Asia of more than 1,600 adults and parents of children who suffer from both asthma and allergic rhinitis has revealed that for many asthmatics, allergic rhinitis can greatly disrupt the lives of people suffering from asthma by limiting their ability to participate in activities, concentrate at work or school and even get a good night’s sleep.
Results from the “One Airway” patient survey, conducted in cooperation with the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Association (EFA), showed that more than half of patients reported that having allergic rhinitis with asthma had a negative affect on their ability to enjoy social activities (54 percent) and 7 in 10 patients felt a disruption in daily activities including their:
Ability to get a good night’s sleep (79 percent),
Participation in leisure and sports activities (75 percent), and
Concentration at work or school (71 percent).
Allergic Rhinitis Can Make Asthma Symptoms Worse
When patients suffered from allergic rhinitis, nearly 80 percent reported that asthma symptoms increased. In fact, over half said they avoid going outside during the allergy season because their asthma symptoms seem to get worse (56 percent).
”When my allergies act up, I feel like my asthma gets worse too,” said asthma and an allergic rhinitis sufferer. “Sometimes during peak allergy season, it is just easier not to go outside rather than live in fear of my next asthma attack.”
Treating both conditions effectively was also a concern raised by respondents to the survey. Almost two thirds (60 percent) responded that they found it difficult to treat both conditions effectively at the same time, and 72 percent noted concerns about using too much medication to treat the two conditions.
Route of administration was also an important consideration among survey respondents with nearly 6 out of 10 (58 percent) reporting that they found nasal sprays uncomfortable or unpleasant for treating their allergic rhinitis. Conversely, most respondents were interested in a once-daily tablet that could effectively treat both asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms (81 percent). Patients’ negative perceptions about side effects were also highlighted in the survey:
84 percent of respondents were concerned about the potential side effects of using steroids for these conditions and
65 percent of respondents were concerned that their allergy medicine might make them feel drowsy.
“The One Airway survey is important because it reinforces the serious affect that allergic rhinitis can have on patients with asthma and vice-versa,” said Erkka Valovirta, Medical Committee Co-ordinator for EFA. “Asthma and allergic rhinitis are related conditions and should, when possible, be considered together when treatment options are discussed with patients.” About the Survey
The international ‘One Airway’ Patient Survey was carried out by Wirthlin Worldwide, an international research company, in eight countries across Asia (China, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan) and Europe (France, Germany, Italy, and the UK). Wirthlin Worldwide interviewed 1,619 adult sufferers and parents of child sufferers who had asthma and allergies (allergic rhinitis) together between 20 May – 8 July, 2003. Each country’s survey included between 200 and 210 patients or their parents. Interviews were conducted either in-person or by phone and in their own language. The European results will be available later this year.
The survey was conducted on behalf of the European Federation of Allergy and Airway Diseases Patients’ Association (EFA) and was sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), a research-based pharmaceutical company.
About Wirthlin Worldwide
Wirthlin Worldwide is an international research and consulting firm with extensive experience of working with the pharmaceutical sector. About EFA
European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Association (EFA) is an alliance of 41 patient organisations from 23 countries across Europe. EFA represents the views and interests of people who have allergy (allergic rhinitis), asthma or COPD on a European level to ensure a continuing improvement in their quality of life, and that of their carers. To do this, EFA promotes prevention, research and education on allergy (allergic rhinitis), asthma and COPD. More information www.efanet.org
About Merck Sharp & Dohme
Merck & Co., Inc., which operates in many countries as Merck Sharp & Dohme, is a global research-driven pharmaceutical products company. Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of innovative products to improve human and animal health directly and through its joint ventures.
For Distribution to Journalists Outside of the U.S. Only
Media Contacts:
Mr.Kulaseth Hovongratana
MSD (Thailand)Ltd.
Tel: 662-255-5090 ext:314
Fax: 662-255-3606
e-mail: [email protected] End.
ติดต่อเราได้ที่ facebook.com/newswit