In general terms, AR is estimated to affect up to 15 per cent of children and 26 per cent of adults in the UK, higher than the European average of 23 per cent. Although often trivialised, AR can have a profound impact on quality of life, work and education.4,6

A meta-analysis of European AR studies has found that people with PAR have poorer health-related quality of life (HRQL) than those with SAR. PAR is more likely to make a bigger impact on both physical and mental health compared to SAR.6

AR affects workforce productivity due to people needing to take time off, or by being present but not working as effectively. These indirect costs of absenteeism and presenteeism make up the majority of the cost burden of AR. One study cited in the meta-analysis found that 36 per cent of patients with AR reported reduced workplace performance compared to 19 per cent of patients with asthma.