Problem: As a part of the Finnish Allergy Programme 2008-18, we surveyed patients to assess allergy symptoms, the use of medications and health care services in Finland.
Methods: We studied the determinants of moderate-severe allergic rhinitis (AR) (numeric rating scale, NRS 6-10, n=682) and the relationship of NRS and Rhinasthma questionnaire. Use of medication and use of health care services were studied.
Results: In the moderate-severe AR group, the most disruptive symptom domains included the nasal, burden and eye domains. Likewise, the need to take medication, nasal congestion and avoiding environments represented the most disruptive individual symptoms. Allergy severity (NRS) correlated best with nasal symptoms (r=0.44, p<0.001) and with eye symptoms (r=0.44, p<0.001). 14.1% reported emergency room treatment.
Conclusions: Moderate-severe AR represents a burden among patients. Nasal congestion, need to take medications and avoiding environments are the most common complaints. Moderate-severe AR patients have also emergency care use.
