Abstract

DETERMINATION OF FREQUENCY OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS IN MUMBAI METROPOLITAN REGION USING QUALITATIVE SEMISTRUCTURED INTERVIEWS OF PHYSICIANS

Amrit Bhalchandra Karmarkar*

ABSTRACT

Allergic rhinitis is most common, often neglected and costly disorder that affects respiratory system. Different co-morbidities such as sinusitis, asthma, otitis media are associated with it. It also affects quality of life of patients. Till this date, treatment of this disease is focused on symptomatic relief and total cure is still impossible. Prevalence of this disease in countries like India is still not available from authorized sources. Considering these facts, study was designed to explore different aspects of disease. Semi structured qualitative interviews of physicians was conducted in Mumbai metropolitan region of India. In total response rate of 58.62% was observed with experience of physicians from 5 years to 47 years. It was found that prevalence of allergic diseases was found to be 10-30%. Out of which prevalence of allergic rhinitis was found to be 20-30%. Watery runny nose was most commonly occurring symptom. Complications such as asthma, sinusitis and otitis media occur due to allergic rhinitis. Dust was found to be the principal allergen to cause allergic rhinitis. Family history was found to be responsible factor for the disease. Also it was found that allergic rhinitis moderately affects quality of life of patients.

Keywords: allergic rhinitis, semi structured qualitative interviews, physicians, Mumbai, India.