Allergic rhinitis in Italy: epidemiology and definition of most commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic modalities

Allergic rhinitis is classically defined as an IgE-mediated inflammation of nasal mucosa, characterised by nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal itching. It is certainly a high-prevalence disease and an important social and medical problem in many industrialised Countries, affecting about 20% of the general population; moreover, it is diagnosed with increasing frequency, both in adults and children in many developing countries. In view of the high medical and social costs, a correct diagnostic approach to allergic rhinitis is a fundamental need for the otorhinolaryngologist, also considering the severe complications (asthma, rhinosinusitis, rhino-otitis, rhinosinusal polyposis) which could develop if this disease is not recognised and adequately treated in its early phases. In order to evaluate not only the present epidemiological characteristics of allergic rhinitis in Italy but also the most commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the management of this disease, 145 Italian otorhinolaringologists were selected to take part in the investigation. Each was invited to complete a questionnaire, divided into 8 different sections, to be answered according to their daily clinical practice. The significance of the results has been compared with those of the international samples comprised in the ARIA Document and in the epidemiologic survey of the Standing Committee on Rhinology and Allergy of the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies. A critical analysis of these data leads to some interesting epidemiological and therapeutic considerations.