A Survey on Treatment Trend for Allergic Rhinitis in Korean Medicine Clinic

알레르기 비염의 한의 진료 현황 설문조사

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the treatment trend for allergic rhinitis in Korean Medicine. Methods : We conducted an online survey for Korean Medicine Doctors who were registered in the association of Korean Medicine. The questionnaire was consisted of patient characteristics, diagnosis status, treatment status, and future research needs. Results : Data from total of 396 respondents were analyzed. More than 70% of the patient came to the Korean Medicine Clinic after visiting the Western Medicine Clinic in 43.9% of the respondents. 55.6% of the respondents performed combination therapy. History taking, nasal examination, x-ray, and Korean Medicine diagnostic test were used for diagnosis. The mean duration of treatment ranged from $4.9{\pm}2.91$ to $15.2{\pm}8.45$ for pediatric and early childhood patients and from $17.5{\pm}16.15$ to $5.3{\pm}3.85$ weeks for adolescents and adult patients. The mean number of treatment times was from $9.8{\pm}7.00$ to $33.5{\pm}24.45$ for pediatric and early childhood patients and from $10.8{\pm}11.55$ to $40.4{\pm}48.18$ times for adolescents and adult patients. 64.5%, 48.0%, and 91.2% of the respondents used herbal medication in national health insurance coverage, herbal medication uninsured in health insurance and herbal prescription filled at each medical institution, respectively for pediatric and early childhood patients and 67.6%, 42.8% and 86.1% for adolescents and adult patients. 36.9% and 36.4% of respondents answered that the study of acupuncture and herbal medicine are needed preferentially. Conclusions : The results of this survey will be used to develop clinical practice guideline that reflect actual clinical practice.