Local Allergic Rhinitis in Adult Patients with Chronic Nasal Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) remains an underdiagnosed condition characterized by the local production of IgE antibodies during the natural exposure to aeroallergens. The prevalence of LAR in adult patients with a previous diagnosis of non-AR was assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients with perennial nasal allergy symptoms but a negative skin prick test and specific IgE antibodies against common inhalant allergens were included in the study. Nasal provocation tests were performed with the inhalant allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Alternaria, and cat allergen, followed by the detection of nasal-specific IgE antibodies in the lavage during the challenge. RESULTS: LAR was confirmed in 21 (25%) study patients. In the remaining 63 (75%) patients, non-AR was diagnosed. In addition, LAR was found following exposure to D. pteronyssinus in 19 (22.6%) patients, Alternaria in 3 (3.6%) patients, and the cat allergen in 1 (1.2%) patient. In 2 patients, concomitant allergies to D. pteronyssinus and Alternaria were observed. CONCLUSION: LAR can be a form of chronic perennial rhinitis that has previously been considered to be non-AR.

General level of knowledge about Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT) in Polish addiction treatment centers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to estimate the level of knowledge about Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT) among therapists and patients during treatment and identification of existing barriers to the introduction of the method. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 64 therapists were examined in total; 37 women (57%) and 27 males (43%). The study involved also 191 patients, 160 men (83.77%) and 31 women (16.23%). All the surveys were anonymous and were collected in health centers within the province of Silesia. RESULTS: More than 2/3 of therapists have heard of the method, but do not know the specifics of it. The most important sources of knowledge are other therapists, literature, and mass media. According to the respondents the most important barriers to alcohol addiction treatment include cultural barriers, such as embarrassment or fear of stigmatization. Younger Patients and those treated for a shorter period, state that they know the name of the current method of treatment to a lesser extent than other subgroups. About 10% of people have not heard about the BSFT method of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge about the BSFT method suggests the need to promote this model among both therapists and patients. An introduction of BSFT can improve the treatment of alcohol addiction.