Pharmacists are the preferred source of advice for hay fever sufferers aged between 25 and 34 years, while those older than 45 would rather see a GP, a new survey has revealed.
According to an online poll commissioned by GlaxoSmithKline, allergic rhinitis, which is commonly known as hay fever, is most common among younger adults, affecting about a quarter of Australians aged between 25 and 44 years, as well as four out five asthma sufferers and eight per cent of children and adolescents.
The survey of more than 1,000 people across the country found that 72 per cent of respondents tried more than one medication in the past to treat their symptoms while three out of four changed their medication every one to two years.
"Allergic rhinitis is a major chronic respiratory disease and has a significant effect on quality of life and productivity," said Dr Treasure McGuire, pharmacy academic and assistant directory of pharmacy at Brisbane's Mater Health Services.
"As pharmacists are first-contact practitioners for many patients with allergic rhinitis, we have an important public health role to play in early identification, prevention and management."
The GSK survey found that 88 per cent of respondents said they experienced both ocular and nasal symptoms of hay fever, with 63 per cent reporting that it affected their mood, 56 per cent saying it disrupted their sleep and 44 per cent saying it affected their ability to concentrate.
Almost a quarter of respondents said they waited until their symptoms became unbearable before seeking help.