Ninety-four percent of allergy sufferers report in a recent survey that their quality of life, often including their work productivity, sleep, concentration, and even their sex lives, is affected by their allergies. However, despite this, only 50 percent of allergy sufferers consider the disease to be a serious medical condition and nearly two-thirds (64 percent) did not see an allergist or other doctor the last time their symptoms acted up.
In response, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), sponsor of the survey, has issued a call to action for allergy sufferers to take their condition seriously and seek the advice of an allergist or personal physician to mitigate symptoms and feel good again. "Allergies and their symptoms not only cause quality of life consequences such as fatigue, impaired work performance and general malaise, but also, insufficiently treated allergies often lead to serious conditions such as sinus or ear infections, asthma and sleep problems," said Dr. Bobby Lanier, president of ACAAI. "What people need to know is that there is no need to suffer the health and quality of life consequences of allergies, and they should seek the help of a medical expert."
This fall, about 50 million Americans will suffer from allergic symptoms. Seasonal allergies are caused by pollens or mold spores, and year-round allergies are caused by indoor allergens. According to the ACAAI, sufferers often confuse allergy symptoms with the common cold because the conditions may mimic each other. In fact, of those sufferers surveyed, 41 percent thought they had a cold or virus when they first began suffering with allergies. Indicators of a cold include a stuffy nose, sneezing, sore scratchy throat, fatigue and sometimes a fever. Some of the signs of seasonal allergies can include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion or itchy throat. Because these symptoms are easy to confuse, the ACAAI notes that it is imperative to involve an allergist or personal physician when any of these symptoms linger.
This nationwide telephone survey was conducted by RoperASW from August 5 to August 14, 2002, among 300 adults, aged 18--64, who suffer from allergies.
Seeking Relief
There are a variety of allergy medications on the market, and often sufferers seek symptom relief with over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications. The survey revealed that the most common reason to take an OTC medication was because of convenience (49 percent of those who take such medications). Yet allergy sufferers try an average of five OTC products in an effort to find one that works to satisfaction, and almost all users experience side effects from them.
"With many different allergy medications available today, people mistakenly believe this disease can be diagnosed and treated without the involvement of a medical expert," continued Dr. Lanier. "Some medications may not completely control allergy symptoms and others may have undesirable side effects. I've seen patients who have experienced years of unneeded suffering due to self-medication on a trial-and-error basis. The best way to manage allergies and lead a life that is as normal and symptom-free as possible is to see an allergist or personal physician at the onset of symptoms," concluded Dr. Lanier.
Additional Findings
Additional survey outcomes include:
* On average, allergies interfere with many aspects of quality of life, including getting a good night's sleep (68 percent), doing outdoor activities (53 percent), being able to concentrate (50 percent), being productive at work (43 percent) and sex life (13 percent).
* The majority of allergy sufferers (72 percent) agree that their allergies are annoying to them. Moreover, about one in three (35 percent) say they feel they are "always battling allergies."
* Among all allergy sufferers, it most often takes very bad symptoms (11 percent) or having symptoms progress to sinus or respiratory infection (9 percent) for them to go to a doctor.
* Drowsiness is the most common side effect (67 percent) from taking an OTC and two-thirds of those experiencing drowsiness drove a car shortly after taking an OTC.
About ACAAI
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), founded in 1942, is a professional medical organization comprised of qualified allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals. The ACAAI is dedicated to the clinical practice of allergy, asthma and immunology through education and research to promote the highest quality of patient care. This initiative was made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Aventis Pharmaceuticals.
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