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.
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