Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (Dec 2020)
Perceptions and Management of Allergic Rhinitis Among Ecuadorian Otorhinolaryngologists: A Survey-Based Study
Abstract
Miguel Felix,1,2 Carlos Vera Paz,1,2 Valeria L Mata,1,2 Emanuel Vanegas,1,2 Désirée Larenas-Linnemann,3 Nelson A Rosario,4 Jose Letort,5 Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda1,2 1Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador; 2RespiraLab Research Group, Guayaquil, Ecuador; 3Investigational Center, Medica Sur Clinical Foundation and Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico; 4Departamento de Pediatria, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, Brazil; 5Departamento de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital, Quito, EcuadorCorrespondence: Ivan Cherrez-OjedaUniversidad Espíritu Santo, Km. 2.5 Vía La Puntilla, Samborondón 0901-952, EcuadorTel +593 4511455Email [email protected]: Allergic rhinitis (AR) represents a large burden to the healthcare system due to its high prevalence and impact on patients’ lives. Despite the existence of evidence-based guidelines, some studies have found that physicians do not always follow the latest recommendations. The aim of our study was to determine how Ecuadorian otorhinolaryngologists (ENTs) perceive some epidemiological aspects related to AR, as well as their preferences for managing the disease.Methods: We conducted an observational, survey-based cross-sectional study, among 116 Ecuadorian ENTs. The survey used was adapted from a previous publication and consisted of 30 multiple choice questions, concerning several topics of AR. Descriptive statistics (frequency, and standard deviation) were performed for clinical and demographic variables.Results: A total of 116 Ecuadorian ENTs completed the survey. Of them, 62.9% were male, with an average age of 42 years (SD ± 11.58). Computed tomography (CT) scan and nasal cytology were selected as the main diagnostic tests for AR by 62/91 (68.1%) and 45/91 (49.5%) of participants, respectively. Moreover, only 12/116 (10.3%) of participants performed skin prick tests (SPT). Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) was performed by 37/107 (36.4%) of participants.Conclusion: In general, most participants agreed that the prevalence of AR appears to be increasing, with increased exposure to allergens, irritants, and pollutants as the main probable cause. Children and adolescents were accounted as the group most affected by AR, with sinusitis and asthma identified as the most frequent comorbidities. Finally, we found unmet needs in the diagnostic and management of AR that should be addressed among Ecuadorian ENTs, in particular the high use of CT scans as part of routine evaluations, as well as the low use of allergen immunotherapy.Keywords: allergic rhinitis, Ecuador, epidemiology, Latin America, management
