Dr Ketan Sheth was one of the advisors on the Pediatric Allergies in America survey. This was the largest and most comprehensive national survey of parents of allergy sufferers, allergy sufferers under age 18, and health provider perspectives concerning allergic rhinitis. The survey was designed using the same methods and many of the same measures as Allergies in America (2006). A number of important conclusions about the current state of nasal allergies among American children are:
- Nasal congestion was the most frequent and bothersome symptom for children with allergies;
- Children suffer considerable discomfort during allergy attacks, such that one third of parents reported their child’s discomfort was not tolerable without relief;
- Impact of nasal allergies to a child’s productivity is considerable with an average loss of 29% among children with allergies on days when their allergies are at their worst;
- Patient non-compliance with prescribed treatment for the condition is driven more by dissatisfaction with product effectiveness and duration, than side effects, cost or ease of administration;
- Doctors and parents agreed that better education of parents about their child’s condition and treatment of allergic rhinitis is important.
The findings from the Pediatrics Allergies in America survey identify important challenges to the treatment and management of one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. The survey, its results and areas for improvement in our daily practice is reviewed in this timely interview with Dr. Sheth.
