Allergic Asthma and allergic Rhinitis - Is the evidence-based management the best way to treatment success?

Allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma (commonly named hay fever) are very prevalent in Switzerland. 13 % of Swiss people suffer from allergic rhinitis and 9 % have asthma. The treatment with over the counter (OTC) medication is often not sustainable. The consultations with general practitioners (GPs) become more frequent seasonally and are burdensome for public health care costs. The evidence-based approach has a lot of advantages: with a knowledge-based and standardized procedure the results of adjustments in the diagnostic and treatment process can be followed. This upward spiral leads to a better and more cost-effective treatment of a - for the patients - frequently annoying and bothersome disease. This article gives an overview of the current guidelines on the management of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma and their implementation.