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Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the spreading level of the WHO-ARIA (World Health Organization's Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) guidelines among the medical community and their influence on medical practices. Methods A cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire was performed between April and July 2005 on randomly chosen general practitioners (GPs) (943) and ear, nose and throat (ENT) physicians (277). Results About 54.4% of the physicians claimed to know the WHO-ARIA guidelines and 49.7% said they followed them. These results vary significantly, mainly according to medical specialty (ENT vs. GP). In comparison to those who did not know the guidelines, their patients benefited more frequently ( P<0.0001) from allergen search (42.2% vs. 31.7%), a nasal endoscopy (38.3% vs. 26.0%), a follow-up consultation (64.9% vs. 52.6%) and written information on rhinitis (30.7% vs. 14.1%). Paradoxically, they do not search more frequently for asthma and do not provide different first-line treatment strategy and duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The WHO–ARIA allergic rhinitis recommendations are evidence-based. Objectives: To determine the percentage of doctors who know and follow the WHO-ARIA guidelines and to evaluate their influence on medical practices. Methods: A cross sectional analysis based on a questionnaire was performed between April and July 2005 on randomly chosen general practitioners (943) and ENT doctors (277). Results: 54.4% of the doctors claimed to know the WHO-ARIA guidelines. 4.7% knew but did not follow them. Patients whom doctors knew the guidelines benefitted more frequently (p<0.0001) from an allergen search (42.2 vs 31.7%), a nasal endoscopy (38.3 vs 26.0%), a follow-up consultation (64.9 vs 52.6%) and written informations on rhinitis (30.7 vs 14.1%). There was no difference in terms of asthma search, first line treatment and duration of treatment. Conclusions: When the WHO–ARIA guidelines are known by doctors (half), they seem to be followed. They favor: allergy testing, nose examination, repeat visit, written information but paradoxically do not influence search for asthma and first line treatment strategy and duration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]