Insights on allergic rhinitis from the patient perspective.

Although intranasal steroid sprays are the preferred treatment of the majority of health care providers, this opinion is not carried through to patient treatment. Approximately two-thirds of adults with nasal allergy symptoms report that they use over-the-counter, nonprescription medicines, and only one-third report that they use an intranasal steroid spray. Lack of familiarity and poor patient awareness are key barriers to intranasal steroid spray use. Dissatisfaction related to side effects among users of these medications leads some of those who are familiar with intranasal steroid sprays to discontinue use after it has been prescribed. Improved health care provider­patient communication and education is a vital step toward improving the long-term management of allergic rhinitis.