Why Are Patients So Frustrated?

Mark E. Reiber, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.O.A.

A growing concern  
It seems today almost everyone has allergies. In fact, up to a fourth of all households are affected.  While often considered just a nuisance, allergies can have a significant impact on quality of life.  Worsen over time, allergies may progress to asthma, sinus and ear infections, sleep disturbances, and chronic headaches.

Allergies hit the wallet
The financial impact to allegy is enormous. Half of all workers have allergies and it's the most significant disease affecting productivity.  Sedating medications and compromised sleep increases work related accidents and injury. The direct costs of treating allergic related disease is staggering.

Looking for help
Allergic Americans are searching for answers. In 2002, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America survey found fascinating answers as to why patients are frustrated. 

Problem One: Patients are using multiple medications without satisfaction:

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure
No one likes to take medication, however, using medications before symptoms start is vital to control.   The natural tendency is to wait until you are sick. This is the wrong approach.

That’s the best I can do under the circumstances…
For severe cases, medications may be only a partial solution.High level exposures cause symptoms despite medications. Environmental control and immunuotherapy are an important additions to the treatment of allergies.

The right man for the job
A third reason for failure is confusion over what is the right medication for the problem. Not all "allergy medications" are alike.  Some work for itchy, runny, watery symptoms, while others are better for blockage, pressure and congestion.  You have to know what is best for your symptoms.

The right tools for the job
Finally, not everything that seems like allergy is allergy.  Migraines, TMJ and other non-allergic diseases mimic allergies. You must start with the correct diagnosis to get the proper result.

Don’t try this at home…
A qualified specialist can guide you appropriately.  

Problem 2: Patients are discontent with their doctors:

There’s never enough time 
"My doctor doesn’t spend enough time with me". Physicians are being challenged to increase efficiency and yet be compassionate and attentive.  We utilize alternatives resources and extenders for education. ENT Carolina has worked hard on our website resources to better serve our patients.

Know it alls…no, but we are trying
It is not possible for physicians to be experts in every area of medicine.  Treating upper respiratory allergy includes medical and surgical knowledge of  the ear, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, eyes, and skin. As ENTs (otolaryngologist) we possess the knowledge and skills that uniquely qualifies us to care for nasal allergies.

Problem 3: Patients’ perceived knowledge exceeds actual knowledge:

Not as smart as you think you are (about allergies)
Almost all patients surveyed felt they were “somewhat” or “very” knowledgeable about allergies, but when asked basic questions, the majority answered incorrectly. Up to half of the patients didn’t know the contents of the medications they were taking.

Knowledge is the best medication
We truly believe education is the most powerful weapon for allergies.  Our goal is to provide you with the best, most complete resource available.

(Next read What's Your Problem )

January, 2012