AIS LIFE 

Action B1: Implementation of IIS and PPI in three countries (enrolment, randomisation, educational intervention)

 

Description and methods employed:

 

In the proper management of respiratory allergic diseases, a key aspect is represented by the education of the patient: how to prevent exacerbations, recognise and avoid excessive exposure to possible risk factors. In the case of allergies to pollens and fungal spores, the "allergen avoidance" strategies include knowledge of

pollen calendars, avoidance of places or activities in areas with high pollen loads (e.g. outdoor sports) and use of personal protective equipment (e.g. masks). These behavioural changes have been demonstrated to

reduce asthma/rhinitis exacerbations. Aerobiological Information systems are available in many countries, but no studies have been performed to assess their effect as a preventative tool.

 

To bridge this gap, action B1 assesses and validates the effectiveness of the two implemented Aerobiological Information Systems (IIS and PPI) through a field survey on general population samples affected by allergies. In particular, the usefulness of using the IIS and PPI for the improvement of respiratory allergic diseases outcomes (symptoms, drugs consumptions, quality of life etc.) with respect to not using these tools will be assessed. The hypothesis is that subjects using these tools, with respect to subjects not using them, will modify their behaviour, increasing awareness towards allergies and reducing/avoiding exposure to pollens, using personal protective equipments or adjusting the level of drug therapy; all these actions are expected to improve the diseases control and quality of life.