Education for allergic rhinitis : original research

Allergic rhinitis is a significant disease that adversely affects quality of life. Guidelines for diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis are simple, yet not widely implemented. In addition, there are nuances in diagnosis and management that may make the treatment of allergic rhinitis very challenging. Education is recommended as a key strategy for management of allergic rhinitis, yet data on patient education in allergic rhinitis is fragmented. Leaflets for education are often inadequate. Educational programs, that include holistic training about allergic rhinitis, are more effective than those focussing on techniques of administration of intranasal medication only. However, there is no consensus on what those programs should contain or how to administer them. Educational strategies for allergic rhinitis may benefit from adopting some of the strategies proven to be effective in asthma education, such as the adoption of specific key messages around symptoms and control of rhinitis that change patients' expectations of their disease. A focus on pathophysiology of different aspects of rhinitis symptoms may foster adherence to regular anti-inflammatory therapy. Essential aspects of a management plan may include the central role of allergic and non-allergic triggers, pre-empting patients' concern regarding medication and detailed training in the technique of administration of nasal spray.