To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Allergy Sufferers Underestimate Seriousness of Condition URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/9F46.htm Doctor's Guide August 20, 1996
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Aug. 20, 1996 -- As ragweed begins rearing its ugly head this fall, nasal allergy sufferers may wish to take a more serious look at treating their disease. A new survey* showed nearly 70 percent of nasal allergy sufferers do not feel allergies are a serious medical condition despite their association with other diseases, such as insomnia and anorexia. Though the most common symptoms of nasal allergies are stuffiness, sneezing (sometimes 10 to 20 times in rapid succession) and an itchy, runny nose, experts agree these symptoms should not be dismissed lightly. People who do not treat their disease properly may experience: -- Weakness, fatigue -- Insomnia -- Irritability, mood swings -- Lack of concentration, poor performance -- Loss of smell and taste -- Anorexia -- Sinusitis -- Ear infections Some people with allergies also may develop asthma. Since as many as 90 percent of people with asthma have nasal allergies, these sufferers need to be particularly careful during ragweed season -- an allergy attack may trigger a life-threatening asthma episode. Ragweed Season is the Worst Ragweed, which begins producing pollen as it matures in August, causes grief for three-fourths (nearly 30 million) of the nasal allergy sufferers in the United States. It is such a troublesome allergy trigger because it is prevalent in almost every part of the country. Cheryl Newman, a ragweed allergy sufferer from Kansas City, Kan., knows this only too well. "The ragweed season makes me feel tired and run down," said Newman. "It's very hard to get through the day when you are congested, sniffling and sneezing." Cheryl is not alone. According to the survey, 83 percent of nasal allergy sufferers say their symptoms interfere with their lives at least somewhat. Respondents mentioned allergies specifically get in the way of social activities (50 percent), exercise (46 percent) and even romance (kissing -- 26 percent; sex -- nine percent). To address their multitude of symptoms and avoid more serious conditions, nasal allergy sufferers should work with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan. As part of that plan, nasal allergy patients may want to try FLONASE(R) (fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray, a water-based, once-a-day, anti-rhinitic(TM) prescription nasal spray that is indicated for the treatment of seasonal and year-round nasal allergies in patients 12 and older. FLONASE is not indicated for the treatment of nonallergic rhinitis. "One of the biggest misconceptions about nasal allergies is that they are not a serious medical condition," said Robert Dockhorn, M.D., an allergist in Prairie Village, Kan., and a FLONASE clinical investigator. "Sufferers can find significant relief by treating the most important part of the allergic reaction -- inflammation -- with a topical anti-inflammatory spray like FLONASE that has been shown to provide better results than antihistamines over the long haul." FLONASE works by reducing the inflammation of the nasal passages, thereby relieving the accompanying nasal symptoms, including nasal stuffiness. Antihistamines, used by many allergy sufferers, relieve some allergic symptoms, but do not effectively treat one of the primary causes of patient discomfort -- nasal congestion. Patients should use FLONASE at regular intervals as directed since its effectiveness depends on its regular use. Drug-related side effects experienced by patients in clinical studies of FLONASE, including nasal burning and irritation, nosebleeds, sore throat and headaches, occurred in fewer than seven out of 100 people. FLONASE is marketed by Glaxo Wellcome Inc. (NYSE: GLX), which is based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., and is the nation's leading research-based pharmaceutical firm. A subsidiary of London-based Glaxo Wellcome plc., the company is committed to fighting disease by bringing innovative medicines and services to patients and to the healthcare providers who serve them. For more information and a $5.00 rebate coupon, allergy sufferers can call 1-800-6-FLONASE (1-800-635-6627). *METHODOLOGY From June 14 through June 19, 1996, Wirthlin Worldwide conducted 1,004 telephone interviews with American men and women 18 and older who suffer from nasal allergies. The margin of error is plus or minus three percent at a 95 percent confidence level. Respondents were evenly distributed geographically throughout the contiguous U.S. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. 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