PREVALENCE OF MEDICINES USED IN THE TREATMENT OF ASTHMA AND ALLERGIC RHINITIS BY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN WESTERN PARANÁ

Abstract

This article analyzed the drug therapy adopted in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis by undergraduate students in medicine, nursing and pharmacy who suffer from these pathologies. A cross-sectional prevalence study was carried out by applying a questionnaire with 17 questions to 150 undergraduate students. Of the 150 questionnaires answered, 36 answers were inconsistent and discarded, thus resulting in a sample of 114 answers. Ten (8.77%) have asthma and allergic rhinitis, while 2 (1.8%) have only asthma and 31 (27.2%) only allergic rhinitis. A total of 20 (46.51) respondents are undergoing treatment for asthma and/or allergic rhinitis, while 23 (53.49%) students are not currently undergoing treatment. Regarding the medications used for asthma, Salbutamol or Terbutaline and glucocorticoids are the most prevalent. While for allergic rhinitis, systemic antihistamines, topical nasal decongestants and nasal lavage with saline solution prevail. In addition to drug therapy, 33 (76.74%) of the students stated that they avoid exposure to factors that trigger asthma and rhinitis, such as allergens. In summary, the most commonly used medications in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis by the population studied are β2-agonist bronchodilators, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and histamine H1 receptor antagonists. In addition to these, the practice of nasal lavage is also adopted by the research participants.