Learning Objective #1: describe the symptoms experiences , severity of symptoms , management strategies in adult with allergic rhinitis

Learning Objective #2: explore symptoms management outcomes and the cost of care for management of allergic rhinitis in adults with allergic rhinitis

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ABSTRACT The purpose of this descriptive research was to describe symptom experience, management strategies and outcomes for patients with allergic rhinitis. The model of symptom management revised by Dodd, et al. (2001) was applied as the conceptual framework of the study. The participants included 200 adults with allergic rhinitis from the Otolaryngology Outpatient Department, Ramathibodi Hospital, from April to August, 2003. A structured interview was used to collect the data which was analyzed with descriptive statistics. This study was conducted based on the protection of human rights. The research proposal was approved by The Ethical Clearance Committee on Human Rights Related to Researches Involving Human Subjects of the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital. The results revealed that the majority of adults with allergic rhinitis experienced sneezing, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, post nasal drip and itching. Most of the participants perceived none severity yet this interfered with their daily lives. All participants were able to seek knowledge on allergic rhinitis by themselves. The majority acquired the knowledge from health professionals with respect to medication and dust avoidance whereas the others used medication for symptom management. The most common type of medication applied was antihistamines whilst corticosteroids were used with severe nasal symptoms. The effective symptom management strategies for self-care management were health-risk management, exercise, and nutrition-intake management. Most of the participants evaluated the outcomes as improved. The total mean for allergic rhinitis management cost per person per month was Baht 777.12. The results of this study should be useful for health professionals in providing curative advice to patients with allergic rhinitis to promote effective self-care management and to reduce the symptoms efficiently.