LAHORE, Sept 20: Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that affects 10-40 per cent of the world population, according to an expert.

Addressing a seminar at the launch of Avamys by GlaxoSmithKline on Tuesday, Dr Paul Kevin Keith, Associate Professor of Medicine at McMaster University's Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, said that clinical research conducted had indicated that this medication had efficacy against both nose and eye symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and adolescents.

“Fluticasone Furoate is a new enhanced intranasal glucocorticoid for the treatment of symptoms arising from seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR),” he explained. Prof. Keith is actively taking part in clinical research in asthma, rhinitis and polyposis.

He said allergic rhinitis was a global health problem, affecting 10-40 per cent of the world population. It caused major illnesses, affected the social lives, sleep, studies and work life of individuals. In a study of 11 Asian countries, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was found to be at 10 to 30 per cent in adults and 10 to 46 per cent in children. A hospital-based study done in Karachi, found that 13 per cent of patients with nasal symptoms, had a seasonal allergy. Pollen was found to be 59.5 per cent of the common allergens.

Dr Keith said that allergic rhinitis (both perennial and seasonal) was the release of chemical substances (such as histamine), that were usually stored in the mast cells of the nose and eyes. Allergic rhinitis would usually appear before the age of 20 but might be diagnosed in the first year of life, particularly if there was a history of maternal allergy. “The new innovative delivery system for Fluticasone Furoate was specially designed and was patient-friendly,” said James W. Godfrey, the device project manager for Fluticasone Furoate nasal spray.

Developed after extensive patient ergonomic testing, he said, the Fluticasone Furoate delivery system had a shorter nozzle to help fit comfortably in the nose.

“There is minimal aftertaste and the product is unscented and alcohol-free. The side actuator pump design has unique patented level technology to help delivery of a consistent dose,” Godfrey added.

The seminar ended with an interactive question answer session by the general practitioners and ear, nose and throat specialists with international disease and device experts.