Patient preferences and satisfaction with prescribed nasal steroids for allergic rhinitis.

A telephone survey of 503 patients with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis was performed to assess satisfaction with their nasal steroid therapy and their reasons for preferences for particular products. Product attributes such as efficacy and various sensory features (e.g., nasal irritation, odor, and taste) were evaluated. Although patients generally are satisfied with their nasal steroid preparations, they do show clear preferences for the sensory attributes of different products. Patients are willing to switch on their physicians' recommendations and clearly prefer products with no odor and no taste.