Table 5 Items included in the questionnaire and results
| Â | Â | Mean | Median | Interquartile range | Above the median | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
30 | Ocular itching and sneezing (upper respiratory tract) and recurrent wheezing (lower respiratory tract) are the symptoms that best correlate with the diagnosis of ARD | 7.33 | 7 | 2 | 25 | Agreement |
31 | The presence of asthma must be evaluated in all patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis | 8.58 | 9 | 1 | 2.5 | Agreement |
32 | A patient with ARD can manifest allergic rhinoconjunctivitis after being exposed to a specific allergen and asthma after exposure to a different one | 7.88 | 8 | 1.5 | 12.5 | Agreement |
33 | In the same patient, the presence of rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma at a particular time may depend on the intensity and duration of exposure to the allergen | 8.2 | 8 | 1 | 0 | Agreement |
34 | We define the concept of “maximum severity” as the highest intensity of symptoms achieved in previous allergen exposures | 7.4 | 7.5 | 1 | 17.5 | Agreement |
35 | Due to the variability of symptoms in ARD patients, it is important to record the “most severe” episodes as well as the symptom-free periods | 7.98 | 8 | 1.5 | 10 | Agreement |
36 | The variability of symptoms in ARD patients hampers their classification using the criteria proposed by consensus guidelines | 7.85 | 8 | 2 | 12.5 | Agreement |
37 | The current classification used by guidelines is based on the assessment of the intensity and frequency of symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma separately and does not assess specific aspects of the causative allergens | 8.18 | 8 | 1 | 10 | Agreement |
38 | Besides the intensity and duration, the description of ARD symptoms should consider other aspects such as the frequency of the episodes, seasonality, and recurrence of symptoms at specific times | 8.35 | 8.5 | 1 | 0 | Agreement |
39 | A specific classification emphasizing the role of the causative allergen is required for patients with ARD | 7.55 | 8 | 2 | 12.5 | Agreement |
40 | A classification considering severity, control level, and clinical characteristics of the airborne allergens is required for diagnosis of ARD and treatment | 7.63 | 8 | 2 | 12.5 | Agreement |
41 | Control of ARD varies significantly depending on the intensity of the exposure to the responsible allergen | 8.08 | 8 | 1 | 5 | Agreement |
42 | ARD must be suspected on the basis of a compatible history and allergy workup | 8.43 | 9 | 1 | 2.5 | Agreement |
43 | Diagnosis of ARD is based on compatible clinical manifestations, the allergological study, and environmental exposure | 8.35 | 9 | 1 | 2.5 | Agreement |
44 | An allergological study must be indicated when symptoms of ARD have an impact on a patient’s quality of life | 7.03 | 8 | 2 | 22.5 | Agreement |
45 | Precise information regarding the characteristics of a pollen seasons is required for a proper diagnosis | 8.23 | 8 | 1 | 5 | Agreement |
46 | Patients with ARD sensitized to pollens present symptoms only during the pollen season | 3.08 | 3 | 1 | 17.5 | Disagreement |
47 | Patients with ARD may not meet functional and inflammatory criteria for rhinitis and/or asthma when allergen exposure is not present | 7.93 | 8 | 2 | 2.5 | Agreement |
48 | The diagnosis of ARD with lower respiratory tract involvement can be assumed in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and symptoms of bronchial asthma (even if asthma has not been confirmed by lung function tests) | 5.63 | 7 | 4 | 42.5 | No consensus |
49 | Allergy tests (prick tests, specific IgE, specific challenge) are reliable both in and out of the pollen season | 8.55 | 9 | 1 | 0 | Agreement |
50 | Lung function tests may be normal out of the pollen season in patients with upper and lower ARD during the pollen season | 7.73 | 8 | 2 | 10 | Agreement |