Dataset Information

Worsening of chronic house-dust-mite-induced respiratory allergies: An observational survey in three European countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although respiratory allergies to house dust mites (HDMs) can often be controlled with symptomatic medications, some patients do not achieve satisfactory disease control.

Objective

To assess fortnightly fluctuations (notably worsening and/or exacerbations) in disease parameters among patients taking only symptomatic medications for HDM allergy.

Methods

In a 13-month, observational, multicenter survey of adults with a self-reported history of poorly controlled, moderate-to-severe, physician-diagnosed HDM respiratory allergy in France, Italy, and Spain, fortnightly telephone interviews were used to gather information on medication use, symptoms, the disease burden, and medical consultations from late May 2012 to early July 2013.

Results

A total of 313 patients completed the study (n = 114 in Italy, 92 in France, and 107 in Spain). Although most participants reported improvements in symptoms, a substantial minority (ranging from 12% to 44% per fortnightly telephone interview in 2012 and from 16% to 37% in 2013) complained of worsening. A few study participants did not improve at any time in the study: 4% overall, and 2%, 2%, and 7% in Italy, France and Spain, respectively. A change in the weather and/or contact with other allergens were the most frequent self-reported reasons for worsening, although the answer "I don't know" was also prominent.

Conclusion

In a 13-month survey of patients with HDM allergy in Italy, France, and Spain, the participants' symptom status fluctuated significantly - illustrating the complexity of this condition. Although most participants reported improvements, the "never-improver" profile warrants further investigation. More prominence could be given to symptom control and a low exacerbation risk as treatment goals in allergic rhinitis.

SUBMITTER: Demoly P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8271175 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Background:House dust mite (HDM) allergens constitute the most frequent cause of persistent allergic rhinitis and asthma. The symptoms vary throughout the year but typically peak in spring, autumn and (to a lesser extent) mid-winter. Methods:We performed a 13-month, observational, multicentre survey of adult patients with a self-reported history of moderate-to-severe, poorly controlled, physician-diagnosed HDM respiratory allergy in three European countries (France, Italy and Spain). After screening and inclusion, 28 detailed, fortnightly telephone interviews were used to gather extensive data on the participants' symptom prevalence and intensity, medical consultations, disease burden and medication use from late May 2012 to early July 2013. This report focuses on the disease burden. Results:Of the 22,995 screened participants, 313 met the inclusion criteria and completed the post-inclusion questionnaire (n?=?114 in Italy, 92 in France and 107 in Spain). The median time since the first symptoms of HDM allergy was???13 years in each country. A relevant minority of the participants suffered from symptoms of HDM allergy every day or almost every day of the year (14% in Italy, 46% in France and 37% in Spain). According to the fortnightly telephone interviews, the most frequently impacted disease burden variables were sleep, daytime tiredness and irritability, with the highest values in spring 2012, autumn 2012 and spring 2013 (mirroring symptom intensities). Professional activities were more affected than social activities. The burden data were heterogeneous: around a quarter of participants were strongly or very strongly affected but most of the remaining participants were only rarely bothered or not bothered. Conclusions:In a 13-month, fortnightly survey of patients in France, Italy and Spain with a self-reported history of moderate-to-severe, poorly controlled, HDM-induced allergic rhinitis and asthma, we found that a relevant minority of participants regularly reported a severe or very severe impact of their allergy on tiredness, sleep and professional activities (including time off work). The disease burden peaked in autumn and late spring.