Why Are Patients So Frustrated?

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

A greater problem now  
It seems today almost everyone is bothered by allergies. In fact, up to a fourth of all households are affected, and once allergies start, they can recur for decades. While many think of allergies as just a nuisance, we now understand the negative impact they have on quality of life and their direct relationship to asthma, sinus and ear infections, sleep disturbances, and headaches.

Allergies hit the wallet
The financial impact of allergies to businesses and individuals is enormous. Half of all workers have allergies and it is the most significant disease affecting productivity. Allergies alone may not cause absenteeism, but sedating medications and the effects of the disease limit worker production. Patients may miss work due to related illnesses such as sinus infections or asthma, and parents miss work to care for children with allergies. The direct healthcare costs for allergic rhinitis alone was 2.4 billion dollars in 2002 and 5 billion with related diseases.

Looking for help
For all this, America is searching for answers. In 2002, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America did a survey of allergy patients that revealed fascinating answers as to why patients may not be finding these answers. ENT Carolina has addressed these issues and provided solutions for our patients so they can avoid frustration.

Problem One: Patients are using multiple medications without satisfaction:

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure
There are several reasons why this approach is failing. First, patients have multiple allergies occurring frequently throughout the year. To best address this, prevention must be a priority. Many patients’ natural tendency is to stop medications when they are well and not start again until they become 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. Patients exposed to high levels of antigens will have symptoms despite the best efforts of medications. Reducing exposure through environmental control measures is important but only effective if used appropriately.

The right man for the job
A third reason for failure is that with such a variety of medications available, it can be difficult to find “the right one”. You have to be fairly sophisticated to know the class of medication to use for your symptoms and appropriate combinations.

The right tools for the job
Finally, not everything that seems like allergy is allergy. Many patients are using allergy and sinus medications to treat facial pains due to migraine, TMJ and other non-allergic diseases. You must start with the correct diagnosis to get the proper result.

Don’t try this at home…
All of these points make treating the problems complex and best handled by a qualified specialist who understands the complete array of not only allergy and sinus disease but disorders of the head and neck.

Problem 2: Patients are discontent with their doctors:

There’s never enough time 
A frequent complaint is that my doctor doesn’t spend enough time with me, which is due to a multitude of factors. In order to satisfy patients, physicians must find ways to increase efficiency, to be compassionate and attentive, and to utilize alternatives and extenders for education. ENT Carolina has worked hard to continually upgrade and update all of our resources, and we are constantly looking for ways to better service our patients’ needs.

Know it alls…no, but we are trying
It is not possible for physicians to be experts in every area of medicine. Upper respiratory allergy and its related diseases cover a broad range of problems of the ear, nose, throat, lungs, eyes, and skin requiring both medical and surgical needs. It takes a wide range of training, experience, and commitment to care for the allergic problems of the head, neck and upper respiratory system. As ENTs (otolaryngologist) we specialize in this and possess the knowledge and array of skills that uniquely qualify us to care for these patients.

Problem 3: Patients’ perceived knowledge exceeds actual knowledge:

Not as smart as you think you are (about allergies)
Almost all patients surveyed felt that 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 about the contents of the medications they were taking.

Knowledge is the best medication
We truly believe that the most important aspect of treating allergies is education and that the patient’s knowledge and understanding of the disease and medications is the single greatest factor in predicting success. Our goal is to provide you with the best, most complete information available.

It takes some work, but you are worth it
At ENT Carolina, we have tried to provide the tools for you to learn and understand everything you need to effectively and efficiently treat and cope with your allergies. It does take work, commitment and self motivation on your part to be successful and maintain good health.

2-13-08